Furtive
— secretive and stealthy; sneaky
Furtive means attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble. It describes sneaky, secretive behavior — the kind of movement or glance someone makes when they don't want to be caught.
A furtive glance, a furtive whisper, or a furtive movement all suggest someone is doing something they shouldn't be, or at least something they want to keep hidden. The word carries a strong undertone of suspicion and stealth.
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Memory Mnemonic
FUR THIEF
The keyword FUR THIEF comes from how Furtive sounds when spoken aloud. This pronunciation connection makes it easy to recall the keyword whenever you hear or see the word.
Memory Link
The FUR THIEF moved in a secretive and stealthy manner—completely sneaky as he stole the coat!
Imagine a thief in a dark alley, clutching a stolen FUR coat and creeping along the wall in a secretive, stealthy manner. Every step is careful, every glance over his shoulder is nervous. Visualise this FUR THIEF — hunched, sneaky, desperate not to be seen — and you have the essence of furtive: acting in a way that is deliberately secretive because you have something to hide.
HOW TO MEMORIZE VOCABULARY
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Step 1: Derive a keyword from the word based on how the word is spelled or pronounced. Next time you see the word, you will be able to derive the keyword from it because it is based on the word.
Step 2: Form a visual memory link that connects the keyword and the meaning(s) of the word you are learning.
Step 3: Ensure to Visualise the image, see it in your imagination. This is important even if it takes a few seconds.
Usage Examples
- She cast a furtive glance over her shoulder before slipping the note into his pocket.
- The students exchanged furtive whispers during the examination.
- His furtive behavior at the airport immediately attracted the attention of security.
- The cat made a furtive dash toward the kitchen counter when no one was looking.
- There was something furtive about the way he avoided eye contact during the interview.
Etymology of Furtive
From Latin furtivus, meaning "stolen" or "secret," derived from furtum (theft) and fur (thief). The word entered English in the 15th century through French and has always carried connotations of stealth and secrecy associated with theft.
Synonyms & Antonyms of Furtive
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations with Furtive
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