furtive
[ˈfɜːɾɪv]
Group 10Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt GRE
Example in Context
Security cameras recorded the employee making furtive visits to the file room after hours, behavior that prompted the internal investigation.
Synonyms
sneakysecretivestealthy
Etymology
Derived from stealing away — to act stealthily to avoid detection.
- furtivus (Latin) — stolen
Memory Aid
👀Sounds like “flirty”
She gave a FLIRTY look, trying to be FURTIVE about her crush!
Visual Association
🕵️♂️A sneaky spy tiptoeing around with shifty eyes, trying not to be noticed.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “furtive” mean on the GRE?
furtive (adjective) means “Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt”. Security cameras recorded the employee making furtive visits to the file room after hours, behavior that prompted the internal investigation.
How to remember “furtive” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “furtive” sounds like “flirty”. She gave a FLIRTY look, trying to be FURTIVE about her crush!
What are synonyms for “furtive”?
Common synonyms: sneaky, secretive, stealthy.