Furtive
hardNegative toneFUR-tiv
adjective
Definition
Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble
Memory hook
FUR-tive: acting like a FUR thief - sneaking glances over your shoulder, guilty and secretive.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“He cast a furtive glance over his shoulder.”
“Her furtive behavior aroused suspicion.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“He cast a ______ glance over his shoulder.”
Show answer
furtive
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Furtive is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "secretive" or "stealthy" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "open".
Related GRE Words
clandestine
Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit
surreptitious
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of
insidious
Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way with harmful effects
covert
Not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret
stealthy
Behaving or done in a cautious and surreptitious manner
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
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