Furtiveness

/ˈfɜːrtɪvnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being secretive, stealthy, or done in a sneaky manner to avoid detection.

Etymology

From 'furtive' plus the noun suffix '-ness,' which creates abstract nouns from adjectives. 'Furtive' derives from Latin 'furtivus' (stolen).

Kelly Says

Body language experts talk about detecting 'furtiveness' in how someone moves or avoids eye contact—it's that quality that makes you instantly suspicious that someone is hiding something.

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