Sample sentences for FURTIVE - verbalworkout.com

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Definition

taking pains to avoid being observed

or:

in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)

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.

furtively = in a nervous manner (as though hoping not to be seen)

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

furtive = taking pains to avoid being observed

[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

furtively = while taking pains to avoid being observed

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

furtively = in a suspicious manner (as though hoping not to be seen)

I tried to cram the box furtively into my pocket, but I saw him glance at my hand in surprise.
Daphne du Maurier -- Rebecca

furtively = taking pains to avoid being observed

He looked round him with a furtive and stealthy air, as one who dreads pursuit.
Arthur Conan Doyle -- The Hound of the Baskervilles

furtive = cautious

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

furtive = taking pains to avoid being observed

or:

in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)

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'

furtively = while taking pains to avoid being observed

He also had to do it furtively, afraid that his father or mother might see him.
Robert Cormier -- The Chocolate War

furtively = while taking pains to avoid being observed

...the rest of the class kept shooting furtive glances at him,
J.K. Rowling -- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

furtive = intended not to be seen

I took advantage of his diversion, taking a furtive step back.
Stephenie Meyer -- New Moon

furtive = cautious (or to avoid being seen)

She looked around furtively like she was delivering nuclear materials.
Rick Riordan -- The Lost Hero

furtively = in a nervous manner (as though hoping not to be seen)

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

furtive = taking pains to avoid being observed

A small patch of earth beneath its branches was packed hard from many fights and furtive crap games.
Harper Lee -- To Kill a Mockingbird

furtive = taking pains to avoid being observed

Sohrab looked down at his feet, but kept stealing shy, furtive glances at me.
Khaled Hosseini -- The Kite Runner

furtive = cautious (taking pains to avoid being observed)

He knew that the crowd was furtively glancing at him,
Thornton Wilder -- The Bridge of San Luis Rey

furtively = while taking pains to avoid being observed

furtively = in a nervous manner (as though hoping not to be seen)

If an eye were furtively raised and met his, it was instantly averted.
Charles Dickens -- Oliver Twist

furtively = while taking pains to avoid being observed

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