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furtive

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The definition of furtive is doing something in a sneaky or hidden way.

(adjective)

An example of furtive is a deal that is made between two lawyers, without the awareness of their firms.

See furtive in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

done or acting in a stealthy manner, as if to hinder observation; surreptitious; stealthy; sneaky

Origin: Fr furtif < L furtivus, stolen, hidden < furtum, theft < fur, a thief < IE *bhōr- (> Gr phōr) < base *bher-, to bear: hence, orig., one who carries off

Related Forms:

furtively adverb
furtiveness noun

See furtive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Characterized by stealth; surreptitious.
Expressive of hidden motives or purposes; shifty. See Synonyms at secret.

Origin:

Origin: French furtif

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin fūrtīvus

Origin: , from fūrtum, theft

Origin: , from fūr, thief; see bher-¹ in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

furˈtive·ly adverb

furˈtive·ness noun

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