secretly
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.
“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.”
Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of a clause; can also appear at the start of a sentence for emphasis.
Learners often use the adverb 'secretly' where the adjective 'secret' is required to modify a noun.
From secret + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.