stealthy
/ˈstelθi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstelθi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstel-thē/ (ame, mw)
stealthy — adjective
- stealthypositive
- stealthiercomparative
- stealthiestsuperlative
1. moving or behaving with slow, quiet care so that other people or animals do not
moving or behaving with slow, quiet care so that other people or animals do not notice you — for example, a cat stalking a bird, or a person sneaking through a dark room.
The stray cat made a stealthy approach toward the bird on the fence.
collocation: stealthy approach
A security guard spotted a stealthy figure moving near the warehouse at midnight.
The old fox crept with stealthy steps toward the chicken coop in the yard.
With a stealthy motion, the nurse opened the door so the sleeping child would not wake up.
The two workers made a stealthy exit through the back door when the manager arrived.
- noisy
the opposite in terms of sound
- conspicuous
the opposite in terms of visibility and attention
文法句型
stealthy + noun
be + stealthy
常見錯誤
2. done or organized in a secret way so that most people do not know about it — for
done or organized in a secret way so that most people do not know about it — for example, a plan, deal, or transfer of money that is hidden from public view.
The technology company made a stealthy plan to launch its new product before competitors.
collocation: stealthy plan
There was a stealthy transfer of funds between the two accounts that no one noticed at first.
Political opponents accused the mayor of making a stealthy deal with property developers.
Scientists warned about the stealthy spread of the disease through the population.
The newspaper revealed details of the government's stealthy surveillance program.
- secret
broader and more common; does not imply clever concealment
- covert
more formal; especially used for military or intelligence operations
- surreptitious
suggests sneaking or doing something forbidden
文法句型
stealthy + noun (plan/operation/transfer)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 describes secret plans, deals, or processes, not physical movement or sound. Frequently used in political and business contexts.
常見錯誤
3. designed with special technology so that radar or other detection equipment cann
designed with special technology so that radar or other detection equipment cannot find it easily — used for military aircraft, ships, submarines, and drones.
The air force tested its new stealthy fighter jet over the desert at night.
collocation: stealthy fighter jet
Engineers designed a stealthy patrol boat that could approach enemy coasts without detection.
The military used stealthy drones to gather information over enemy territory.
A stealthy submarine can remain hidden beneath the ocean for months at a time.
The company won a contract worth two billion dollars to build stealthy aircraft.
- invisible
broader; does not specify radar or military technology
- undetectable
more technical; can apply to various detection methods
文法句型
stealthy + noun (aircraft/fighter/drone/submarine/ship)
用法筆記
Distinguish from senses 1 and 2: sense 3 refers specifically to military technology that evades radar detection, not to human behaviour or secret plans. This sense is typical in news and technical reports.