surreptitious

/ˌsʌrəpˈtɪʃəs/ (bre, ipa) · [sˌɚəptˈɪʃəs] /ˌsɜːrəpˈtɪʃəs/ (ame, ipa) · [sˌɚəptˈɪʃəs] /ˌsər-əp-ˈti-shəs How to pronounce surreptitious (audio) ˌsə-rəp-,  sə-ˌrep-/ (ame, mw)

surreptitious — adjective

  • surreptitiouspositive
  • more surreptitiouscomparative
  • most surreptitioussuperlative

1. done in a quiet way that is meant to keep an action hidden from other people, of

1.形容詞B2
釋義

done in a quiet way that is meant to keep an action hidden from other people, often because it is not allowed or would be disapproved of

例句

Brian cast a surreptitious glance at his watch during the long meeting.

collocation: surreptitious glance

Antonia managed a surreptitious yawn behind her hand while the principal continued talking.

同義詞
  • secret

    more general and less formal; can describe a plan, place, or feeling, not just a hidden action

  • stealthy

    emphasises quiet, cautious movement to avoid detection; often used for physical motion

  • clandestine

    stronger formality; typically implies secretly organised and often disapproved of (e.g. a clandestine meeting)

  • furtive

    suggests a nervous, guilty quality in the way someone looks or behaves

反義詞
  • open

    done without any attempt at concealment

  • public

    happening where anyone can see or participate

文法句型

surreptitious + noun

be + surreptitious

用法筆記

Often used before a noun to describe an action that is physically hidden — for example, a glance, a gesture, or an exchange. The word carries a slightly formal or literary tone; in casual conversation, 'secret' or 'sneaky' is more common.

常見錯誤

❌He made a surreptitious plan to surprise his friend.
✅He made a secret plan to surprise his friend.
💡surreptitious describes the action itself being hidden, not the intention behind it.