Definitions
- Describing an action that is done without others knowing about it. - Referring to something that is kept hidden from others intentionally. - Talking about a behavior or activity that is not meant to be shared with others.
- Describing an action that is done in a sneaky or furtive manner. - Referring to something that is done secretly and with an intention to avoid being noticed. - Talking about a behavior or activity that is done in a way that is meant to be concealed from others.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions that are done in secret.
- 2Both words imply a level of concealment or hiddenness.
- 3Both words can be used to describe behaviors that are meant to be kept from others.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Surreptitiously implies a higher level of secrecy and sneakiness than secretly.
- 2Manner: Surreptitiously suggests a more furtive or sly manner than secretly.
- 3Connotation: Surreptitiously has a more negative connotation than secretly, which can be neutral or positive depending on the context.
- 4Usage: Secretly is more commonly used in everyday language than surreptitiously.
- 5Formality: Surreptitiously is more formal than secretly and is often used in written or academic contexts.
Remember this!
Secretly and surreptitiously are synonyms that both describe actions that are done in secret or hidden from others. However, surreptitiously implies a higher level of secrecy and sneakiness than secretly. Additionally, surreptitiously has a more negative connotation and is more formal than secretly.
