COVERTLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does covertly mean? 

• COVERTLY (adverb)
  The adverb COVERTLY has 1 sense:

1. in a covert manner

  Familiarity information: COVERTLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• COVERTLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a covert manner

Context example:

he did it covertly

Antonym:

overtly (in an overt manner)

Pertainym:

covert (secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed)

 Context examples 

A personality disorder characterized by an indirect resistance to demands for adequate social and occupational performance; anger and opposition to authority and the expectations of others that is expressed covertly by obstructionism, procrastination, stubbornness, dawdling, forgetfulness, and intentional inefficiency.

(Passive-Aggressive Personality, NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

Though her engagement to Martin had been kept secret, their long intimacy had not been unproductive of gossip; and in the shop, glancing covertly at her lover and his following, had been several of her acquaintances.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Here the lecture began, but Jo heard very little of it, for while Professor Sands was prosing away about Belzoni, Cheops, scarabei, and hieroglyphics, she was covertly taking down the address of the paper, and boldly resolving to try for the hundred-dollar prize offered in its columns for a sensational story.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)