French Conversation · Level 29
89 words
French word
furtif
Pronunciation
IPA/fyʁtif/
Meaning
- adjectivefurtive
Example
Elle jette un regard furtif vers la porte.
She casts a furtive glance toward the door.
More examples
Il a fait un geste furtif vers la fenêtre.
He made a furtive gesture toward the window.
Core concept
A movement that briefly passes below the level of notice.
Common phrases
un regard furtif
a furtive glance
un geste furtif
a furtive gesture
Similar words
discret: Reserved and unobtrusive in manner.
caché: Kept out of sight or hidden from view.
Definition in French
Qui s'effectue en cachette ou sans attirer l'attention, associé à une action ou à un mouvement discrètement dissimulé.
Word origin
Latin furtivus is the source of French furtif and refers to something connected with furtum, 'theft', or hidden action.
Usage tips
- Furtif commonly describes a brief regard, geste, mouvement, or passage rather than a permanently hidden object.