furtively

[US]/'fə:tivli/
[UK]/ˈfə..tɪvlɪ/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adv. in a sneaky or secretive manner; clandestinely

Phrases & Collocations

move furtively

look around furtively

whisper furtively

act furtively

hide furtively

walk furtively

sneak furtively

Example Sentences

He glanced furtively at the clock during the boring meeting.

She furtively slipped the note into his pocket without anyone noticing.

The spy moved furtively through the dark alley, trying to avoid detection.

He furtively checked his phone under the table during the dinner with his parents.

The cat crept furtively towards the bird, hoping to catch it by surprise.

She furtively opened the letter addressed to her sister, curious about its contents.

The thief furtively entered the house through an unlocked window.

He spoke furtively about the confidential project, making sure no one overheard.

She furtively took a piece of candy from the jar when no one was looking.

The students furtively passed notes to each other during the exam.

Real-world Examples

I could see a few of the other kids in class eyeing me furtively.

Source: Twilight: Eclipse

A small trickle of witches and wizards was creeping furtively up the otherwise deserted street to visit the hospital.

Source: 5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Sikes eyed him furtively from time to time.

Source: Oliver Twist (Original Version)

He eyes the curtains furtively, as if considering hiding in them.

Source: Red White & Royal Blue

He looked furtively at the police uniform on Shorty.

Source: The Woman at the Bottom of the Lake (Part 2)

Daphne had stopped sniffing her husband's shirts, furtively, in his wardrobe.

Source: After You (Me Before You #2)

Then furtively the percussion–cap box came out.

Source: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

If an eye were furtively raised and met his, it was instantly averted.

Source: Oliver Twist (Original Version)

She glances furtively left and right to make sure she is not being watched.

Source: Friday Flash Fiction - 100-word Micro Fiction

He had the scientific detachment to pull out his watch and furtively note the hour.

Source: People and Ghosts (Part 2)

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