When you do something secretly, it means you do it without anyone else knowing. You try to keep it hidden from other people.
For example, if you secretly eat a cookie, it means you don't want anyone to see you eating it. You are trying to keep your action private.
§ Definition and Core Meaning
- DEFINITION
- Secretly describes an action performed in a way that is hidden or kept from the knowledge of others. It implies that the person is trying to prevent anyone else from finding out what they are doing.
The adverb 'secretly' is derived from the adjective 'secret', meaning something kept hidden or unknown to others. When an action is performed 'secretly', it suggests a deliberate effort to conceal that action from observation or discovery. This concealment can stem from various motivations, such as avoiding judgment, surprising someone, or protecting sensitive information.
Consider these examples to grasp the core meaning:
She secretly planned a surprise party for her sister.
In this case, the planning is done secretly to maintain the element of surprise.
He secretly hoped for a promotion.
Here, the hope is kept secret, perhaps to avoid disappointment if it doesn't happen, or to avoid appearing overly ambitious.
§ Grammatical Usage
As an adverb, 'secretly' modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating how, when, or to what extent an action is performed. It typically answers the question 'how?' when describing an action of concealment.
Placement of 'secretly' can vary:
- Before the main verb:
They secretly met in the park.
- After the verb:
He left the building secretly.
- At the beginning of a sentence for emphasis:
Secretly, she harbored doubts about the plan.
§ Nuances and Connotations
While 'secretly' primarily means 'in a hidden manner', it can carry subtle connotations depending on the context:
- Privacy vs. Deception: Sometimes 'secretly' refers to actions done privately, with no intention of harming others. Other times, it implies an element of deception or wrongdoing.
- Positive Connotations: Surprise parties, thoughtful gifts, or private acts of kindness are often done secretly with positive intentions.
- Negative Connotations: Actions performed secretly to avoid punishment, spread rumors, or engage in illicit activities carry negative implications.
He secretly donated a large sum to the charity.
They secretly tried to undermine their competitor's business.
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Secretly' vs. Alternatives
Many words convey a sense of hidden action, but each carries distinct shades of meaning. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most precise word.
- Covertly: This word emphasizes deliberate planning and execution of a hidden action, often in a more formal or strategic context, like espionage or military operations. 'Covertly' suggests a sophisticated level of concealment.
- Stealthily: This focuses on moving or acting in a quiet and cautious way so as not to be seen or heard. It emphasizes the physical act of being unobserved.
- Privately: This implies an action done without the presence or involvement of others, often for personal reasons or to maintain confidentiality. It doesn't necessarily suggest an effort to conceal, but rather to keep something personal.
- Surreptitiously: Similar to 'secretly', but often carrying a stronger implication of doing something in a sneaky or underhanded way, often to gain an advantage or avoid detection of something illicit. It suggests a more cunning and perhaps less honest form of concealment.
- In confidence: This phrase is used when something is told or shared with the expectation that it will not be revealed to others. The focus is on the trust placed in the recipient.
The agents operated covertly behind enemy lines.
The cat stealthily approached its prey.
They discussed the matter privately after the meeting.
He surreptitiously slipped the note into her hand.
She told him her worries in confidence.
When to use 'secretly':
Use 'secretly' when you want to emphasize that an action is performed with the intention of keeping it hidden from others' knowledge. It is a versatile word that can describe both innocent and mischievous acts of concealment. It's the most general term for hiding an action, often focusing on the act of not being found out rather than the manner of execution (like 'stealthily') or the strategic planning ('covertly'). It can apply to thoughts, feelings, and physical actions.
For example:
- If someone is thinking something they don't want to say out loud, they are thinking secretly.
- If someone is buying a gift they want to keep hidden until a special occasion, they are buying it secretly.
- If a child is eating cookies without their parents' knowledge, they are eating them secretly.
How Formal Is It?
"The agents clandestinely exchanged the documents under the cover of darkness."
"She secretly planned a surprise party for her best friend."
"He's been working on a new project on the sly, hoping to surprise his boss."
"The kitten sneakily tried to snatch a treat from the counter."
"They've been dating on the down low for a few weeks now."
Grammar to Know
Adverbs of manner often end in -ly and describe how an action is performed.
She secretly planned a surprise party for her friend.
Adverbs can be placed before the main verb, after the main verb, or at the end of a clause.
He secretly opened the present. / He opened the present secretly. / He opened the present that was secretly hidden.
Adverbs of manner can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
He secretly admired her (modifies verb). / The secretly hidden treasure (modifies adjective). / She moved very secretly (modifies adverb).
When an adverb of manner modifies an adjective or another adverb, it usually comes before it.
It was a secretly arranged meeting.
Adverbs can be used to add emphasis to a sentence.
She was secretly delighted by the news.
Examples by Level
He secretly ate the cookie.
He hid while eating the cookie.
She secretly drew a picture.
She drew a picture so no one would see.
They secretly played a game.
They played a game when others were not looking.
I secretly gave him a gift.
I gave him a gift, but I didn't want others to know.
The cat secretly slept on the bed.
The cat slept on the bed, but it was not allowed.
He secretly smiled at her.
He smiled at her, and no one else saw.
She secretly put candy in her pocket.
She put candy in her pocket so no one would see.
We secretly planned a surprise.
We planned a surprise without telling anyone.
She secretly ate the last cookie.
Ella se comió la última galleta en secreto.
Here, 'secretly' modifies the verb 'ate', telling us how she ate it.
He secretly bought his mom a present.
Él le compró un regalo a su mamá en secreto.
'Secretly' describes the manner of buying the present.
They secretly planned a party for their friend.
Ellos planearon una fiesta para su amigo en secreto.
The adverb 'secretly' explains how they planned the party.
The cat secretly took a nap on the warm blanket.
El gato secretamente tomó una siesta en la manta cálida.
'Secretly' tells us how the cat took a nap.
She secretly drew a picture during class.
Ella secretamente dibujó un dibujo durante la clase.
Here, 'secretly' modifies the verb 'drew'.
He secretly put a note in her backpack.
Él secretamente puso una nota en su mochila.
'Secretly' describes the action of putting the note.
They secretly played games when their parents were busy.
Ellos secretamente jugaron cuando sus padres estaban ocupados.
The adverb 'secretly' shows how they played games.
The dog secretly ate the food from the table.
El perro secretamente comió la comida de la mesa.
'Secretly' modifies the verb 'ate', explaining how the action was performed.
She secretly planned a surprise party for her sister's birthday.
Ella planeó en secreto una fiesta sorpresa para el cumpleaños de su hermana.
Adverb 'secretly' modifies the verb 'planned'.
He secretly ate the last cookie so no one else would know.
Él se comió en secreto la última galleta para que nadie más lo supiera.
Adverb 'secretly' modifies the verb 'ate'.
They secretly met in the park after school to discuss their project.
Se reunieron en secreto en el parque después de la escuela para discutir su proyecto.
Adverb 'secretly' modifies the verb 'met'.
The child secretly drew on the wall, hoping no one would see.
El niño dibujó en secreto en la pared, esperando que nadie lo viera.
Adverb 'secretly' modifies the verb 'drew'.
She secretly wished she could go on vacation instead of working.
Ella deseaba en secreto poder ir de vacaciones en lugar de trabajar.
Adverb 'secretly' modifies the verb 'wished'.
He secretly recorded the conversation to remember what was said.
Él grabó en secreto la conversación para recordar lo que se dijo.
Adverb 'secretly' modifies the verb 'recorded'.
They secretly exchanged notes during the boring meeting.
Intercambiaron notas en secreto durante la aburrida reunión.
Adverb 'secretly' modifies the verb 'exchanged'.
The cat secretly tried to open the cupboard to find some food.
El gato intentó en secreto abrir el armario para encontrar algo de comida.
Adverb 'secretly' modifies the verb 'tried'.
The children secretly planned a surprise party for their parents' anniversary, meticulously coordinating every detail to maintain the element of surprise.
The children covertly organized a celebratory gathering for their parents' milestone, carefully arranging every aspect to preserve the unexpected nature.
The adverb 'secretly' modifies the verb 'planned,' indicating the manner in which the planning occurred. The use of 'meticulously coordinating' further emphasizes the careful and hidden nature of their actions.
She secretly harbored a deep ambition to become a renowned artist, practicing her craft late into the night, away from the scrutiny of others.
She privately nurtured a profound aspiration to achieve recognition as an artist, honing her skills through the late hours, shielded from public observation.
'Secretly harbored' illustrates a hidden feeling or desire. The gerund 'practicing' provides further detail about her clandestine activities.
The government agent secretly infiltrated the criminal organization, gathering crucial intelligence under the guise of an ordinary citizen.
The state operative surreptitiously penetrated the illicit group, collecting vital information while posing as an average individual.
Here, 'secretly infiltrated' highlights the covert nature of the agent's entry. 'Under the guise of' further clarifies how the secrecy was maintained.
He secretly funded various charitable initiatives, preferring to remain anonymous and avoid public recognition for his philanthropic endeavors.
He privately provided financial support to numerous benevolent projects, choosing to stay unnamed and eschew public acknowledgment for his charitable undertakings.
The adverb 'secretly' modifies 'funded,' emphasizing his desire for anonymity. 'Preferring to remain anonymous' directly explains his motivation for acting secretly.
Despite their outward animosity, the two rivals secretly admired each other's intellectual prowess, a sentiment they would never openly admit.
In spite of their apparent hostility, the two competitors covertly respected each other's mental acumen, an emotion they would never openly acknowledge.
'Secretly admired' reveals an underlying, unexpressed feeling. The contrast with 'outward animosity' underscores the hidden nature of their admiration.
The ancient society secretly preserved its sacred rituals, passing them down through generations with utmost discretion and secrecy.
The archaic community privately maintained its hallowed ceremonies, transmitting them across lineages with extreme prudence and confidentiality.
The phrase 'secretly preserved' indicates the careful and hidden maintenance of traditions. 'With utmost discretion and secrecy' reinforces the clandestine nature.
She secretly yearned for an escape from her mundane routine, dreaming of adventurous journeys to far-off, exotic lands.
She privately longed for a break from her ordinary daily life, envisioning daring expeditions to distant, captivating territories.
'Secretly yearned' describes a hidden desire or longing. The verb 'dreaming' further elaborates on her private thoughts.
The architect secretly incorporated hidden passages into the mansion's design, adding an element of intrigue and mystery for its future inhabitants.
The designer surreptitiously integrated concealed corridors into the estate's blueprint, introducing a touch of enigma and wonder for its subsequent occupants.
'Secretly incorporated' highlights the deliberate and hidden inclusion of features. 'Adding an element of intrigue and mystery' explains the effect of this secret action.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'secretly' is an adverb. It describes how an action is done. The adjective form is 'secret', as in 'a secret meeting'.
While similar, 'secretly' implies an intention to hide something from others, often because it's forbidden or someone would disapprove. 'Privately' simply means not in public, and doesn't necessarily carry the same negative connotation of hiding something wrong. For example, you can privately discuss something without trying to keep it a secret.
Yes, some synonyms include 'covertly', 'clandestinely', 'surreptitiously', and 'stealthily'. These all suggest doing something in a hidden or concealed manner.
Yes, you can. For example, 'Secretly, she hoped he would fail.' or 'Secretly, he planned a surprise party.'
Not always, but it often does. It can imply doing something that someone else wouldn't approve of, or something that is meant to be kept from others. However, it can also be neutral, like 'He secretly bought her a gift'.
The opposite of 'secretly' would be words like 'openly', 'publicly', or 'plainly'. These suggest doing something in a way that is visible or known to everyone.
No, 'secretly' is an adverb, so it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It describes how something is done. To modify a noun, you would use the adjective 'secret'.
Yes, 'secretly' is a fairly common adverb and is appropriate for CEFR B1 level learners. It's useful for expressing actions done without others' knowledge.
You form the adverb 'secretly' by adding '-ly' to the adjective 'secret'. This is a common way to form adverbs in English.
Certainly! 'She secretly ate all the cookies when no one was looking.' Here, 'secretly' describes how she ate the cookies, in a hidden way.
Test Yourself 18 questions
Imagine you have a secret talent. Describe what it is and how you would secretly practice it without anyone knowing.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My secret talent is playing the guitar. I would secretly practice in my basement late at night when everyone else is asleep. I would also wear headphones so no one could hear the music. Sometimes, I would go to an empty park early in the morning to practice my songs.
Write a short paragraph about someone planning a surprise party. How do they secretly prepare for it?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Sarah wanted to throw a surprise party for her friend, Tom. She secretly invited all their friends by sending private messages. She also bought decorations and a cake when Tom was not at home, hiding them in her closet. She told everyone to arrive an hour early to secretly set everything up before Tom arrived.
Describe a time you tried to secretly do something, and what happened. Was it successful?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Once, I secretly tried to eat a cookie from the jar before dinner. I thought my mom wouldn't notice. I slowly opened the jar and took one. But just as I was about to bite into it, my mom walked into the kitchen! She smiled and said, 'Are you trying to secretly get a head start on dessert?' I wasn't successful at all!
How did Maria secretly prepare her brother's gift?
Read this passage:
Maria wanted to give her brother a special gift for his birthday. She decided to knit him a scarf, but she knew he would be curious if he saw her knitting. So, Maria decided to work on the scarf late at night when everyone was asleep. She also kept her knitting supplies hidden in a box under her bed. This way, she could secretly prepare his present without him finding out.
How did Maria secretly prepare her brother's gift?
The passage states, 'She decided to work on the scarf late at night when everyone was asleep. She also kept her knitting supplies hidden in a box under her bed.' This shows how she secretly prepared the gift.
The passage states, 'She decided to work on the scarf late at night when everyone was asleep. She also kept her knitting supplies hidden in a box under her bed.' This shows how she secretly prepared the gift.
What was Tom's secret plan?
Read this passage:
Tom had a secret plan to surprise his parents with breakfast in bed. He woke up very early, before anyone else in the house. He quietly went to the kitchen and began making pancakes. He had to be very careful not to make any noise, so his parents wouldn't wake up. He wanted to secretly make the breakfast without them knowing until it was ready.
What was Tom's secret plan?
The first sentence clearly states, 'Tom had a secret plan to surprise his parents with breakfast in bed.'
The first sentence clearly states, 'Tom had a secret plan to surprise his parents with breakfast in bed.'
What did the children secretly do?
Read this passage:
The children wanted to play a trick on their teacher for April Fool's Day. They decided to secretly replace all the pens in the classroom with rubber chickens. They waited until the teacher left the room for a few minutes. Quickly and quietly, they swapped the pens. They giggled as they imagined the teacher's surprise when she reached for a pen and found a rubber chicken instead.
What did the children secretly do?
The passage explicitly says, 'They decided to secretly replace all the pens in the classroom with rubber chickens.'
The passage explicitly says, 'They decided to secretly replace all the pens in the classroom with rubber chickens.'
The adverb 'secretly' comes after the subject and before the main verb 'planned' or after the main verb if there's an object.
The adverb 'secretly' comes after the subject and before the main verb 'hoped'.
The adverb 'secretly' comes after the subject and before the main verb 'read'.
Focus on the context of 'clandestine operation' and how 'secretly' modifies the planning.
Listen for the implication of deception and hidden actions related to the CEO's behavior.
Consider how 'secretly' emphasizes the hidden and private nature of her ambition.
Read this aloud:
Can you elaborate on a time when you secretly helped someone without them knowing, and what motivated your discretion?
Focus: secretly, discretion, motivated
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the ethical implications of governments secretly gathering intelligence on their citizens in the name of national security.
Focus: ethical, implications, governments, secretly, intelligence
You said:
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Read this aloud:
How does the concept of 'secretly' manifest in literature or film to build suspense or reveal character depth?
Focus: concept, manifest, literature, suspense, character depth
You said:
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/ 18 correct
Perfect score!
