Surreptious vs. Surreptitious — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 28, 2024
"Surreptious" is an incorrect spelling. "Surreptitious" is the correct spelling, denoting stealthy, secret, or unauthorized behavior.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Surreptious or Surreptitious
How to spell Surreptitious?
Surreptious
Incorrect Spelling
Surreptitious
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
The “-itious” in “surreptitious” sounds like "delicious" – both end with "-itious."
Think of “suspicious”, which also ends with "-tious" and not “-tous”.
Associating the word with sneaky or secret actions can remind you of its tricky spelling.
Always note the second 'r' and the 'ti' in the middle.
Remember that “surreptitious” has the same number of syllables as “inconspicuous” and similar endings.
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How Do You Spell Surreptitious Correctly?
Incorrect: Their surreptious activities at night raised suspicions.
Correct: Their surreptitious activities at night raised suspicions.
Incorrect: He took a surreptious glance at his watch during the meeting.
Correct: He took a surreptitious glance at his watch during the meeting.
Incorrect: The detective followed the suspect in a surreptious way.
Correct: The detective followed the suspect in a surreptitious way.
Incorrect: I admire his ability to move in a surreptious fashion.
Correct: I admire his ability to move in a surreptitious fashion.
Incorrect: She passed the note to her friend in a surreptious manner.
Correct: She passed the note to her friend in a surreptitious manner.
Surreptitious Definitions
Surreptitious means acting or done in a stealthy way.
She gave him a surreptitious glance across the room.
Surreptitious suggests actions that are clandestine.
She was known for her surreptitious meetings.
Surreptitious denotes secret and unauthorized actions.
He took a surreptitious sip of his drink.
Surreptitious implies a covert or sneaky behavior.
He made a surreptitious entry into the building.
Surreptitious can describe actions intended to escape observation.
A surreptitious glance confirmed he wasn't looking.
Obtained, done, or made by clandestine or stealthy means.
Stealthy, furtive, well hidden, covert (especially movements).
Done or made by stealth, or without proper authority; made or introduced fraudulently; clandestine; stealthy; as, a surreptitious passage in an old manuscript; a surreptitious removal of goods.
Marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed;
A furtive manner
A lurking prowler
A sneak attack
Stealthy footsteps
A surreptitious glance at his watch
Someone skulking in the shadows
Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods;
Clandestine intelligence operations
Cloak-and-dagger activities behind enemy lines
Hole-and-corner intrigue
Secret missions
A secret agent
Secret sales of arms
Surreptitious mobilization of troops
An undercover investigation
Underground resistance
Surreptitious Meaning in a Sentence
Their surreptitious meetings went unnoticed for months.
She took a surreptitious photo of the celebrity.
He gave her a surreptitious wink that nobody else noticed.
They exchanged surreptitious glances across the room.
He managed a surreptitious escape through the back door.
She dropped the note into his pocket with a surreptitious slide of her hand.
He had a talent for surreptitious observation.
The spy's surreptitious actions were key to his success.
The students made surreptitious plans for their surprise party.
A surreptitious whisper alerted her to the surprise.
She wore sunglasses for a surreptitious look around the store.
The surreptitious nature of the operation required complete silence.
Their surreptitious affair was a well-kept secret.
Their surreptitious exchanges of notes in class were eventually discovered.
She managed to give a surreptitious signal to her friend.
They had a surreptitious way of communicating in public.
Her surreptitious use of the phone at work was frowned upon.
She made a surreptitious recording of the conversation.
A surreptitious glance at the answers earned him a reprimand.
The thief's surreptitious movements were caught on camera.
He felt a thrill from the surreptitious risk-taking.
They carried out a surreptitious investigation.
He was known for his surreptitious approach to journalism.
The document was passed under the table in a surreptitious manner.
His surreptitious entry into the building went undetected.
Common Curiosities
Which vowel is used before Surreptitious?
The vowel "u" is used before "surreptitious."
What is the pronunciation of Surreptitious?
It's pronounced as [sur-uhp-TISH-uhs].
Why is it called Surreptitious?
The term "surreptitious" comes from the Latin word "surrepticius," meaning secret or stealthy.
What is the plural form of Surreptitious?
"Surreptitious" is an adjective and doesn't have a plural form.
What is the singular form of Surreptitious?
"Surreptitious" itself is singular.
Is Surreptitious a noun or adjective?
"Surreptitious" is an adjective.
What is the verb form of Surreptitious?
There isn't a direct verb form. But related actions might be described with verbs like "sneak" or "creep."
What is the root word of Surreptitious?
The root word is from the Latin "surrepticius."
Is Surreptitious an adverb?
No, "surreptitious" is not an adverb. But there's an adverb form "surreptitiously."
Is Surreptitious a collective noun?
No, "surreptitious" is not a collective noun.
Which preposition is used with Surreptitious?
Common prepositions include "with" or "by."
Is Surreptitious an abstract noun?
No, "surreptitious" is an adjective, not an abstract noun.
How do we divide Surreptitious into syllables?
sur-rep-ti-tious.
What is a stressed syllable in Surreptitious?
The third syllable "ti" is stressed.
Which conjunction is used with Surreptitious?
Any conjunction can be used depending on the sentence; "and" and "but" are common.
Which article is used with Surreptitious?
Both "a" and "the" can be used, depending on context.
Is Surreptitious a negative or positive word?
Typically, it has a negative connotation, implying sneakiness or deceit.
Is Surreptitious a countable noun?
"Surreptitious" is not a noun, so it's not countable.
Is the word Surreptitious imperative?
No, "surreptitious" is an adjective, not a verb in the imperative mood.
Is the word “Surreptitious” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Surreptitious" is an adjective, so it doesn't function as a direct or indirect object.
What is another term for Surreptitious?
Stealthy.
What is the first form of Surreptitious?
Surreptitious itself is the primary form as an adjective.
Is the Surreptitious term a metaphor?
By itself, no. But it can be used metaphorically in context.
How many syllables are in Surreptitious?
Four syllables.
What is the opposite of Surreptitious?
Overt or open.
Is Surreptitious a vowel or consonant?
"Surreptitious" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is the word Surreptitious a gerund?
No, "surreptitious" is not a gerund.
What part of speech is Surreptitious?
It's an adjective.
Which determiner is used with Surreptitious?
Determiners like "the," "this," and "that" can be used depending on the context.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
