furtive etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: furtif ("stealthy, sly")
  • Latin: furtivus ("stolen, secret")
  • Sanskrit: pauru ("thief, rogue")

Meaning:

  • Stealthy, secretive, or done in a way that avoids detection.
  • Often implies an intent to conceal or to do something illicit or forbidden.

Origin:

The word "furtive" originated from the Latin word "furtivus," which means "stolen" or "secret." It is related to the Sanskrit word "pauru," which means "thief" or "rogue." This connection suggests that "furtive" originally described actions or behaviors associated with stealth and secrecy, particularly those carried out with the intent to avoid detection or punishment. Over time, the meaning of "furtive" has broadened to encompass any action or behavior that is characterized by secrecy or an attempt to conceal.

furtive relate terms

  • ferret

    Etymology The word ferret comes from the Middle French word furet meaning little t

  • furtive

    Etymology Old French furtif stealthy sly Latin furtivus stolen secret Sansk

  • furtively

    Etymology Origin Latin furtivus stolen clandestine stealthy Root fur thief M

  • furtive

    Etymology Old French furtif stealthy sly Latin furtivus stolen secret Sansk

  • sneak

    Etymology of Sneak The word sneak originates from the Middle English term sneke wh

  • surreptitious

    Etymology Surreptitious originates from the Latin word surrepticius which means sto

  • snake

    Etymology Old English snaca Proto Germanic snakô Proto Indo European sneh₂ǵ Me

  • clock

    Etymology Middle English clokke from Old English clucge Germanic origin Proto German

  • daffodil

    Etymology The word daffodil is derived from the Middle English word daffadowndilly

  • pariah

    Etymology Latin paria equal match Old French parage lineage rank Middle Engl

  • obituary

    Etymology The word obituary comes from the Latin word obitus which means death M

  • worry

    Etymology 1500s Borrowed from Middle English wurgen to strangle from Old English wy

  • renege

    Etymology Late 16th century from French renégat 16th century from Spanish renegado