Definitions
- Describing an action done in a way that is intended to keep it hidden from others. - Referring to behavior that is done in a secretive or furtive manner. - Talking about actions that are done in a way that is meant to be kept confidential or private.
- Describing an action done in a way that is intended to avoid being noticed or detected. - Referring to behavior that is done in a sneaky or underhanded manner. - Talking about actions that are done in a way that is meant to be kept hidden or concealed.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions that are done in a hidden or concealed manner.
- 2Both words suggest that the action is intended to be kept private or confidential.
- 3Both words can be used to describe behavior that is sneaky or underhanded.
What is the difference?
- 1Intent: Secretively suggests that the action is intended to be kept hidden from others, while surreptitiously suggests that the action is intended to avoid being noticed or detected.
- 2Manner: Secretively implies a more cautious and guarded approach, while surreptitiously implies a more sly or cunning approach.
- 3Connotation: Secretively has a more neutral connotation, while surreptitiously can have a negative connotation.
- 4Usage: Secretively is more commonly used in everyday language, while surreptitiously is more formal and less commonly used.
- 5Adjective form: Secretive is an adjective form of secretively, while surreptitious is an adjective form of surreptitiously.
Remember this!
Secretively and surreptitiously are synonyms that describe actions done in a hidden or concealed manner. However, secretively suggests that the action is intended to be kept hidden from others, while surreptitiously suggests that the action is intended to avoid being noticed or detected. Additionally, secretively implies a more cautious and guarded approach, while surreptitiously implies a more sly or cunning approach. Secretively is more commonly used in everyday language, while surreptitiously is more formal and less commonly used.
