Word of the Day - 11/12/25
surreptitious
/,sɜrəp'tɪʃəs/(adj.): conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
The agents made surreptitious plans to overthrow the government, using hidden channels and coded messages.
(adj.): marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
He cast a surreptitious glance at the clock, hoping to leave the tedious meeting unnoticed.
Word Origin
The word 'surreptitious' originates from the Latin 'surreptitius', meaning 'snatched away' or 'stolen'. This Latin term itself is derived from the verb 'surripere', which is formed from the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under' or 'secretly', and 'rapere' meaning 'to seize' or 'to snatch'. Thus, 'surreptitious' literally means 'snatched away secretly'.
Words with similar origins include 'rapture' and 'rapid'. Both derive from the Latin 'rapere', meaning 'to seize' or 'to snatch'. 'Rapture' implies being 'carried away' or 'seized' by intense emotion, while 'rapid' denotes moving quickly, as if 'snatched' or hurried along. The Latin 'rapere' is also the root of words like 'ravish' and 'raptor'.