furtif

furtive

adjective fyoor-TEEF Rare

Origin: Latin furtivus (stolen, secret)

Also means

stealthy

Usage Note

Furtif describes a quick glance, a gesture, or a movement done so as not to be noticed. The adverb furtivement (furtively) is common in literary prose, and the feminine form is furtive. It derives from Latin furtum (theft), the same root as 'furtive' in English.

Examples

"Il lui lança un regard furtif."

Natural Translation

He shot her a furtive glance.

Literal Translation

He threw her a furtive look.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

Aller + Infinitive: The Easy French Future

Form the French near future in seconds: conjugate aller in the present and add an infinitive. Learn futur proche rules, negation, pronouns, and when to use it.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Greetings: Bonjour, Salut, Coucou Explained

Bonjour, salut, or coucou? Pick the right French greeting every time with a simple two-axis guide to formality and time of day, plus how to say goodbye.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

French Café Culture: How to Order Like a Local

In a French café, un café means espresso, one drink rents the table for an hour, and you must ask for the bill. Order coffee like a local with these phrases.

June 4, 2026 7 min read

FrenchNow

Faire in French: To Make, To Do, and More

Faire in French means more than make and do: master faire vs rendre, weather and sports idioms, the causative, and the mistakes English speakers make.

June 4, 2026 6 min read