Word
secretly
Phoneticsse·cret·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsikɹɪtɫi/
UK/sˈiːkɹətli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. doing something in a way that other people do not see or know about. You use this when you want to keep a fact or an action private.
adv. in a confidential or clandestine manner, intended to avoid notice or disclosure. Often modifies verbs related to communication, movement, or internal feelings.
Examples
“She secretly bought a gift for her brother.”
“The two companies secretly met for months to discuss a merger before making a public announcement.”
“While he maintained a professional exterior, he secretly harbored a deep resentment toward the board's decision to restructure the department without consulting the staff.”
Examples
simple
“She secretly bought a gift for her brother.”
contextual
“The two companies secretly met for months to discuss a merger before making a public announcement.”
complex
“While he maintained a professional exterior, he secretly harbored a deep resentment toward the board's decision to restructure the department without consulting the staff.”
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of a clause; can also appear at the start of a sentence for emphasis.
Pitfall
He told me his secretely plan.
He told me his secret plan.
Learners often use the adverb 'secretly' where the adjective 'secret' is required to modify a noun.
Etymology
From secret + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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