furtive

• Qualifie un comportement ou une action qui se fait en cachette, de manière discrète ou sournoise, souvent pour éviter d'être remarqué et en sous-entendant une intention coupable ou mystérieuse.

Describes behavior that is secretive, sly, or done in a way to avoid notice, often suggesting guilt or stealth.

1. Secretive or sneakyB2formal

   Done in a quiet and secret way to avoid being noticed.

   fait en cachette, pour ne pas être remarqué

   • He cast a furtive glance at the document on her desk.
   • The cat made a furtive movement towards the bird.
   • She gave a furtive smile when no one was looking.

   Synonymesclandestinecovertsecretiveshiftyslystealthysurreptitiousunderhandedwily

   Antonymesblatantcandiddirectforthrightopenovert

2. Suggesting guilt or evasionB2formal

   Behaving as if trying to hide something, often due to guilt or fear.

   qui cherche à se cacher, en cachette

   • His furtive behavior made the police suspicious.
   • The child had a furtive look after taking the cookie.
   • They exchanged furtive whispers in the corner of the room.

   Synonymesclandestineconspiratorialcovertevasiveguiltysecretiveshiftyslystealthysurreptitiousunderhanded

   Antonymesaboveboardcandiddirecthonestopenovertstraightforward