Secretive
/ˈsiːkrətɪv/
Definitions
Tending to conceal information or feelings from others.
/ˈsiːkrətɪv/
Inclined to keep one's thoughts, feelings, or actions hidden from others.
He was very secretive about his past.
💡 Simply: Someone who is secretive is like a ninja with their feelings and information. They don't easily share what they know or how they feel. They are good at keeping things hidden, like a birthday surprise!
👶 For kids: When you're secretive, it's like you have a secret, and you don't want to tell anyone.
More Examples
She became secretive after the incident.
The organization operated in a secretive manner.
How It's Used
"A secretive person might keep a diary locked away."
"The government was criticized for its secretive negotiations."
"A person might become secretive after experiencing trauma."
Idioms & expressions
keep something secret
To not tell others something.
"I had to keep her surprise birthday party a secret."
secret agent
A person employed by a government or organization to gather information covertly.
"James Bond is a fictional secret agent."
From Middle French *secretif*, from Latin *secretus* ("secret, hidden") + -ive (suffix forming adjectives).
The word 'secretive' emerged in the 17th century, reflecting the growing importance of privacy and discretion in social and political life.
Memory tip
Think of a secret that you're always trying to keep from someone.
Word Origin
"secret, hidden"