Surreptitiously

Surreptitiously, an adverb, describes an action performed in a secretive, stealthy, or clandestine manner, often to avoid notice or detection. It implies doing something quietly and discreetly, sometimes with the intent of deception or to conceal the action itself. The word suggests a sense of cunning and carefulness, focusing on the avoidance of observation and the preservation of privacy. It highlights the furtive quality of an action, emphasizing the need to proceed without being seen, heard, or otherwise discovered by others. Actions done surreptitiously are done underhandedly, almost always implying secrecy or an attempt to go unnoticed. The term carries an undercurrent of a hidden purpose.

Surreptitiously meaning with examples

• He surreptitiously slipped the key into his pocket, hoping his actions would remain unseen. He had a secret to keep and knew that his actions would be under scrutiny, so he chose to employ stealth and subtlety, adding an extra layer of secrecy to the operation. It was a quiet movement, designed to draw no attention to the potential threat.
• During the meeting, she surreptitiously glanced at her watch, wanting to know if the agreed time had elapsed to ensure the meeting could proceed on time. This was an attempt to discreetly keep track of time without causing any disruption. The action was executed carefully to not alert anyone else.
• The spy surreptitiously copied the documents, working under the cover of darkness. To get the job done he had to move quickly and quietly and without a trace. His primary focus was maintaining privacy, avoiding attention, and making sure not to be seen. A failed attempt would be the end of the plan.
• She surreptitiously added the ingredient to the cake, knowing that he was allergic to it but wanting to see if he would notice. This was done in secret with ill intent. She knew she should not do it, but she had her reasons and hoped that she would succeed at her attempt.