What does furtive mean?
Furtive is an adjective describing behavior that is deliberately stealthy or secretive, typically because the person involved feels guilty, ashamed, or afraid of being caught. A furtive glance is a quick, sideways look meant to go undetected; furtive movements are quiet and cautious, designed to escape attention. The word almost always carries a negative or suspicious connotation — it suggests that something improper is afoot, distinguishing it from neutral terms like 'quiet' or 'discreet.' It derives from the Latin furtivus, meaning 'stolen,' which in turn comes from furtum, 'theft,' giving the word an etymological link to thievery that still colors its meaning. In modern usage, furtive appears most often in phrases such as 'a furtive glance' or 'furtive movements,' in contexts ranging from everyday social situations to literature and journalism. Its derived forms include the adverb 'furtively' and the noun 'furtiveness.'
adjectiveAttempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that one's actions would be disapproved of; characterized by quietness, stealth, or secrecy.
- Done or acting in a stealthy, secretive way so as to avoid being noticed, usually because of guilt or fear of disapproval.
"She cast a furtive glance at the door before slipping the note into her pocket."
"He shot a furtive glance at his phone under the table during the meeting."
"The cat moved with a furtive slink along the fence, eyes fixed on the bird feeder."
"Furtive" comes straight from the Latin word for theft — so every furtive glance carries a thief's DNA.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of furtive
Furtive originates from the Latin furtivus, meaning 'stolen' or 'hidden like stolen goods,' itself derived from furtum, 'theft,' and ultimately from fur, 'a thief.' The word entered English in the early seventeenth century, initially carrying strong associations with theft before broadening to describe any stealthy, evasive behavior. Its Romance-language cousins, such as the French 'furtif,' share the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How furtive is actually used
Furtive is almost always negative or at least suspicious in connotation — it implies wrongdoing or embarrassment, unlike merely 'quiet' or 'private' behavior. It is common in both everyday and literary register, most frequently describing glances, looks, movements, and manners.
Easily confused with furtive
'Festive' describes a cheerful, celebratory atmosphere, while 'furtive' describes secretive, stealthy behavior — the two merely resemble each other in spelling.