mindmap root((秘密)) secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive: a ~ meeting. covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared: ~ operations against guerrilla forces. stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing: the ~ movements of a cat burglar. furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness: exchanged ~ smiles across the room. clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil or illicit purpose: a ~ drug deal in a back alley. surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority: compromised his diet with ~ snacking. underhanded stresses fraudulent or deceptive intent: a car dealership guilty of ~ practices.