Surreptitious

Meanings

1. Kept secret because it would not be approved of
2. Done stealthily
3. Obtained by suppression of truth

Example Sentences

• "The journalist's surreptitious recording of the conversation revealed the corruption scandal."
• "He cast a surreptitious glance at his phone during the board meeting."
• "The surreptitious transfer of funds was eventually detected by the forensic auditors."

Etymology

From Latin 'surrepticius' (stolen, secret), from 'surripere' (to steal, take away secretly), from 'sub-' (under, secretly) + 'rapere' (to seize, snatch). The same root as 'rapture' and 'raptor' — but done secretly.

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