furtive
FUR-tiv · adjective
Attempting to avoid notice because of secrecy, guilt, or caution.
Memory connection
Picture “fur thief”
A fur thief gives one quick sideways glance, hides the coat, and slips away as quietly as dust.
The sound cue helps you reach the scene; the action in the scene carries you from the scene to the definition.
Use it accurately
Meaning in context
A furtive movement near the locked cabinet caught the guard’s attention.
They exchanged furtive glances before changing the subject.
Furtive describes glances, movements, meetings, or behavior designed not to be noticed. It often makes observers suspect concealment or guilt.
Common patterns
- furtive glance
- furtive movement
- a furtive meeting
Quick check
Can you retrieve the meaning?
Which action looks furtive?
Choose an answer, then explain it in your own words.