furtivo
/furˈti.vo/
The English word stealthy is translated into Italian as furtivo.
The adjective describes something characterized by or resembling stealth or secrecy.
Meaning: characterized by or resembling stealth or secrecy (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending depending on the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use furtivo for masculine singular nouns, furtiva for feminine singular nouns, furtivi for masculine plural nouns and furtive for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the second syllable: /furˈti.vo/.
Did you know?
- While furtivo describes a stealthy movement, the word rubato refers to 'stolen' time in music, where a performer subtly alters the tempo.
- The adjective furtivo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'furtive', as both derive from the Latin word for 'thief'.
- In Italian literature, a sguardo furtivo (a stealthy glance) is a common trope used to describe a lover's secret or shy look.
Examples in context
- Il gatto si muove in modo furtivo nella notte.The cat moves stealthily in the night.
- Con passi silenziosi si avvicinò al suo obiettivo.With silent steps, he approached his target stealthily.
- uno sguardo furtivoA stealthy/furtive glance
- Ha fatto uno sguardo furtivo verso la porta.He cast a stealthy glance toward the door.
- Il gatto ha fatto un movimento furtivo.The cat made a stealthy movement.
- Si è avvicinato con un passo furtivo.He approached with a stealthy step.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stealthy” translations and entries furtivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries furtivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
