covertly

Everyday

1. In a secret or hidden way, so that others do not notice. tree →
2. (formal) Not openly shown or admitted: «covertly unhappy». tree →

In the lessons

Used in spy stories, mysteries and news about secret agents or police; in classroom stories, a child might covertly pass a note. It tells the reader that something is done secretly. Opposite: «openly», «overtly».

Examples

• She covertly passed a note to her friend under the desk. tree →
• The detective covertly watched the house. tree →
• Spies covertly gathered information. tree →
• Tim covertly slipped the sprouts to the dog. tree →
• The cameras covertly filmed the badgers at night. tree →
• He covertly checked his phone during the film. tree →
• The rabbit covertly nibbled the lettuce while the farmer slept. tree →

Note

Adverb from «covert» (secret, hidden). Pronounced KUV-ert-lee or KOH-vert-lee. Opposite: «overtly». Do not confuse with «covet» (to want something that belongs to someone else).