SECRETIVE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does secretive mean? 

• SECRETIVE (adjective)
  The adjective SECRETIVE has 1 sense:

1. inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information

  Familiarity information: SECRETIVE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SECRETIVE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information

Synonyms:

close; closelipped; closemouthed; secretive; tightlipped

Context example:

although they knew her whereabouts her friends kept close about it

Similar:

incommunicative; uncommunicative (not inclined to talk or give information or express opinions)

Derivation:

secrete (place out of sight; keep secret)

secretiveness (the trait of keeping things secret)

secretiveness (characterized by a lack of openness (especially about one's actions or purposes))

 Context examples 

Some secretive lover, beyond all doubt.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Women are naturally secretive, and they like to do their own secreting.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

These are some examples, but as soon as you get to March 30 when Mars moves into Aquarius, you won’t have to be secretive anymore.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

He has had the reputation of being a man of eccentric habits, secretive and retiring.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)