furtive
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “furtive” mean?
adjective.attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in contexts involving secrecy, deception, or cautious behavior, particularly in narratives or character analysis. It emphasizes a slyness or craftiness in avoiding detection, which differs from synonyms like "covert" that may lack the connotation of guilt or fear of consequence.
Common Confusions
Furtive implies a secretive nature driven by guilt or fear of consequences, while clandestine usually suggests a hidden action that is planned or executed without necessarily implying wrongdoing or apprehension.
Example Sentences
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He cast a furtive glance over his shoulder before entering.
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She cast a furtive glance at the clock, anxious about being late for her important interview, her heart racing with each passing second.