What does surreptitious mean?
Surreptitious describes something done secretly, discreetly, and usually with the intention of preventing others from noticing or approving of it. The word can refer to an entry, recording, surveillance activity, attempt, or other action carried out quietly and without authorization. Its implication is not merely that something is private; it also suggests concealment, furtiveness, and sometimes impropriety. In formal writing, surreptitious is useful when the act of hiding the action itself is important. “The website collected surreptitious location data” is more specific and evocative than simply saying that the data were collected secretly. The adjective is commonly paired with words such as activity, entry, surveillance, and recording. Its adverb form, surreptitiously, is used when the manner of doing something is emphasized, as in “She surreptitiously copied the document.”
adjectiveDone secretly and without drawing attention, especially in a way intended to avoid detection. The word often suggests furtiveness, concealment, or an improper attempt to keep an action hidden.
- Done secretly, stealthily, or without authorization, especially with the intention of avoiding detection.
"The company conducted a surreptitious review of its security procedures without telling the staff."
"The photographer was accused of taking surreptitious images inside the building."
"Her surreptitious efforts to improve the situation were eventually noticed by the team."
From a Latin word meaning “seized secretly,” surreptitious describes an action designed to pass unnoticed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does surreptitious come from?
Surreptitious comes from Latin surreptitius, meaning “stolen” or “done secretly,” derived from surripere, “to snatch or take away secretly.” English borrowed the word in the early 17th century, initially in legal and moral contexts before broadening to describe concealed or stealthy actions. Related Latin-root words include surreption, meaning an act of taking or obtaining something secretly, and rapt, from the same root, as well as English derivatives such as rapture and rapacious.
Related word forms
How surreptitious is actually used
Surreptitious is formal and carries a connotations of secrecy and impropriety. It is commonly used for actions that are hidden from others, whether or not they are unlawful.