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English Lexicon

Secretly

/ˈsiː.krət.li/
adverbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2150 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adverb
  1. 1

    In a way that is kept hidden or private from other people; without others knowing.

    "She was secretly hoping that the meeting would be cancelled."
  2. 2

    Privately within one's own thoughts or feelings, without expressing them openly.

    "He secretly admired his colleague's creativity and confidence."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the adjective secret, which comes from the Latin secretus meaning 'separated, set apart, hidden', the past participle of secernere. The adverbial suffix -ly was added in late Middle English to denote manner or state, evolving to describe actions performed without the knowledge of others.

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