surreptitious

Vocabulary Word

Definition

If something is 'surreptitious', it is done in a hidden or sly manner. It's used when you're talking about actions that are meant to go unnoticed, like a secret meeting or quietly taking an extra piece of candy.

Examples in Different Contexts

In mystery novels, 'surreptitious' actions drive intrigue. An author might write, 'She cast a surreptitious glance at the sealed envelope, her curiosity piqued.'

Practice Scenarios

Tech

Scenario:

I'm seeing some suspicious network activity. It looks like someone is trying to breach our security protocols.

Response:

There may be a surreptitious attempt to breech our data. I'll start a deep-dive analysis.

Business

Scenario:

Our negotiation strategy needs to stay confidential. We need to be careful about who gets access to these documents.

Response:

We can keep our negotiation strategy hidden by conducting surreptitious meetings and email threads.