stealthy
|stealth-y|
B2
/ˈstɛlθi/
secretive movement
Etymology
Etymology Information
'stealthy' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'stelthe,' where 'stel-' meant 'steal' and '-the' was a suffix indicating a state or condition.
Historical Evolution
'stelthe' transformed into the modern English word 'stealthy' through gradual phonetic changes.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'the act of stealing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'cautious and surreptitious.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
behaving, done, or made in a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard.
The cat moved in a stealthy manner across the room.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/13 08:09