Langimage
English

secretly

|se-cret-ly|

B1

/ˈsiː.krət.li/

(secret)

hidden knowledge

Base FormPluralAdjectiveAdverb
secretsecretssecretivesecretly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'secret' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'secretus,' where 'secernere' meant 'to set apart.'

Historical Evolution

'secretus' transformed into the Old French word 'secret,' and eventually became the modern English word 'secret.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'set apart or hidden,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not known or seen by others.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a secret manner; without others knowing.

She secretly admired him from afar.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39