furtim
In Latin, the English phrase 'stealth' is expressed by the adverb furtim.
While the English word 'stealth' can be a noun, the Latin form furtim is used as an adverb. It is used to describe doing something 'stealthily' or 'by stealth'.
Meaning: attribute or characteristic of acting in secrecy (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form furtim functions as an adverb.
Did you know?
- Roman poets used furtim to describe the secret movements of lovers, transforming a word associated with thieves into one of romantic longing.
- English words like 'furtive' share the same Latin DNA as furtim, meaning 'stealthy' is essentially an English way of saying 'thief-like'.
- Latin authors often contrasted furtim with palam, which means 'openly' or 'in public', to create a moral dichotomy between secrecy and honesty.
Examples in context
- "Huc delecta virum sortiti corpora furtim / includunt cæco lateri, penitusque cavernas / ingentes uterumque armato milite complent."And deep within the sides of pine / and caverns of the womb by stealth enclose / armed men, a chosen band, drawn as the lots dispose.This sentence shows the use of furtim to describe how something is enclosed or hidden by stealth.Tatoeba #6669158 by carlosalberto, translation #6804491 by carlosalberto
- Vir copiam furtim tenebat.The man held the supply stealthily.
- Femina filios nocte vetuit exire, more clandestino.The woman forbade her sons to go out at night, in a stealthy manner.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Lucius are planning a surprise.
- AureliaSume furtim hunc librum.Take this book with stealth.
- LuciusCur hoc facere volo?Why do I want to do this?
- AureliaUt donum secretum sit.So that the gift remains a secret.
- LuciusBene, furtim agam.Fine, I will act with stealth.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
