What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
secretly
Example
She secretly ate the last piece of cake. [secretly: adverb]
Example
He secretly planned a surprise party for his wife. [secretly: adverb]
surreptitiously
Example
He surreptitiously took a photo of the document. [surreptitiously: adverb]
Example
She surreptitiously slipped the note into his pocket. [surreptitiously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Secretly is more commonly used in everyday language than surreptitiously. Secretly is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while surreptitiously is more formal and is often used in written or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between secretly and surreptitiously?
Surreptitiously is more formal than secretly and is often used in written or academic contexts. Secretly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
