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Definition
taking pains to avoid being observedor:
in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
- She watched me in a furtive manner—trying to hide her interest.
furtive = cautious or taking pains to avoid being observed
- Later she said she was just trying to figure out whose phone it was, but she looked around furtively before she began reading my text messages.
- Despite his attempt to look interested, his teacher did not miss his furtive glances at the clock.
- they grew furtive as they approached, as if intending to sneak up on the girls.Nicholas Sparks -- Dear John
- [He has removed a pink capsule from his pocket, quickly and furtively, and drunk it down with his vodka.]Tennessee Williams -- A Streetcar Named Desire
- Indeed, once, shortly after lunch, I recall I came upon the two gentlemen talking rather furtively just inside the library doorway, and it was my distinct impression they broke off their discussion upon my approach.Kazuo Ishiguro -- The Remains of the Day
- I tried to cram the box furtively into my pocket, but I saw him glance at my hand in surprise.Daphne du Maurier -- Rebecca
- He looked round him with a furtive and stealthy air, as one who dreads pursuit.Arthur Conan Doyle -- The Hound of the Baskervilles
- There was something unmistakably furtive in the way he glanced from side to side. Apparently satisfied that he was unobserved, he drew something small and glittering from his pocket and slipped it onto his finger.Cassandra Clare -- City of Glass
- I would see an uncle or two sneak a nip from a bottle hidden under the seat, but they did it furtively, almost ashamedly.Rick Bragg -- All Over but the Shoutin'
- He also had to do it furtively, afraid that his father or mother might see him.Robert Cormier -- The Chocolate War
- ...the rest of the class kept shooting furtive glances at him,J.K. Rowling -- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- I took advantage of his diversion, taking a furtive step back.Stephenie Meyer -- New Moon
- She looked around furtively like she was delivering nuclear materials.Rick Riordan -- The Lost Hero
- The car roared and swayed, pressing me hard against her, but when I took a furtive glance around no one was paying me the slightest attention.Ralph Ellison -- Invisible Man
- A small patch of earth beneath its branches was packed hard from many fights and furtive crap games.Harper Lee -- To Kill a Mockingbird
- Sohrab looked down at his feet, but kept stealing shy, furtive glances at me.Khaled Hosseini -- The Kite Runner
- He knew that the crowd was furtively glancing at him,Thornton Wilder -- The Bridge of San Luis Rey
- Grady looks around furtively.Sara Gruen -- Water for Elephants
- If an eye were furtively raised and met his, it was instantly averted.Charles Dickens -- Oliver Twist
furtively = in a nervous manner (as though hoping not to be seen)
furtive = taking pains to avoid being observed
furtively = while taking pains to avoid being observed
furtively = in a suspicious manner (as though hoping not to be seen)
furtively = taking pains to avoid being observed
furtive = cautious
furtive = taking pains to avoid being observed
or:
in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
or:
in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
furtively = while taking pains to avoid being observed
furtively = while taking pains to avoid being observed
furtive = intended not to be seen
furtive = cautious (or to avoid being seen)
furtively = in a nervous manner (as though hoping not to be seen)
furtive = taking pains to avoid being observed
furtive = taking pains to avoid being observed
furtive = cautious (taking pains to avoid being observed)
furtively = while taking pains to avoid being observed
furtively = in a nervous manner (as though hoping not to be seen)
furtively = while taking pains to avoid being observed
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