What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irreptitious
Example
The company made an irreptitious announcement about the new policy. [irreptitious: adjective]
Example
He spoke irreptitiously about his true intentions. [irreptitiously: adverb]
surreptitious
Example
She took a surreptitious glance at her phone during the meeting. [surreptitious: adjective]
Example
He surreptitiously slipped the document into his briefcase. [surreptitiously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surreptitious is more commonly used than irreptitious in everyday language. Surreptitious is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while irreptitious is less common and is mainly used in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irreptitious and surreptitious?
Irreptitious is more formal than surreptitious. It is mainly used in academic or legal contexts where precision and clarity are important.
