secretly
UK: ˈsiːkrətli | US: ˈsiːkrətli
adv. in a way that is kept hidden from knowledge or view
adv. done without others being aware
secretly = secret<hidden> + ly<adverb suffix>
- secret: From Latin secretus ("set apart, hidden"), from secernere ("to separate, hide"), combining se-<apart> + cernere<to sift, decide>.
- ly: Old English adverbial suffix -lice, from Proto-Germanic -liko, indicating manner or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word "secretly" evolved from the Latin secretus, which originally meant "set apart" (from se- "apart" + cernere "to sift"). Over time, secretus took on the meaning of "hidden" in Medieval Latin, and this sense carried into Old French as secret. The adverbial suffix -ly (from Old English -lice) was added to form "secretly," preserving the core idea of concealment while grammaticalizing it as an adverb.
She secretly left a note under his pillow.
The two friends secretly planned a surprise party.
He secretly admired her courage but never spoke of it.
The documents were secretly stored in a locked drawer.
They met secretly at midnight to discuss their strategy.