What is secretly? Pronunciation and usage in English

secretly means . Learn how to pronounce and use secretly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of secretly

secretlyadverb

/ˈsiːkrɪtli/
Definition & pronunciation of secretly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "secretly." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown, focusing on the key sounds:

1. The "Se" sound:

  • "Se" is pronounced like "sir" – /sɪr/ (The 'i' sound is very short and quick)

2. The "cret" sound:

  • "cret" is where it gets tricky. It’s a diphthong, meaning it's a blend of two vowel sounds. It sounds like "kruh-et" (like the beginning of "cruet," a small jar). It’s similar to how you pronounce “cream” but with a more compressed, slightly harsher sound. Some people might shorten it further to just "kret".
    • Think of it as a quick, clipped "kruh" combined with a short "et."

3. The "ly" sound:

  • "ly" is pronounced like "lee" – /li/

Putting it all together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: ˈsɪkriːtli

Here’s a phonetic transcription (more technical): /ˈsɪkriːtli/

  • ˈsɪkriːt (stress is on "secret") - This is the core of the word.
  • li - The "-ly" ending

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is by hearing it. Here are a few options:

  • Break it down: Practice the “sir” + “kruh-et” + “lee” parts separately before putting it all together.

  • Focus on the “cret” sound: This is the hardest part for most learners. Really exaggerate it when you're practicing.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some similar-sounding words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word secretly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "secretly" in English. It essentially means "in a way that is not public or known to others." Here's a comprehensive guide with examples:

1. Basic Meaning & Structure:

  • Adverb: "Secretly" is an adverb, meaning it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It describes how something is done.
  • Formula: The general structure is: [Verb/Adjective/Adverb] secretly

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Describing Actions: This is the most frequent use.

    • "He secretly loved her." (He loved her, but didn't reveal it.)
    • "She secretly practiced the piano every night." (She practiced without anyone knowing.)
    • "They secretly planned a surprise party." (They planned it without the birthday person finding out.)
    • "I secretly wished I could fly." (I wished it in a private, unexpressed way.)

  • Describing Feelings/Thoughts:

    • "He secretly felt jealous." (He felt jealous, but didn’t show it.)
    • "She secretly wondered if he was really coming." (She had the thought but didn’t say anything.)

  • Describing Hidden Intentions:

    • "He secretly hoped to get the promotion." (He wanted the promotion, but didn't openly express it.)
    • "They secretly wanted to stay hidden.” (They desired to remain unseen.)

  • With Adjectives (to modify emotions/states):

    • "He felt secretly disappointed." (He had a hidden feeling of disappointment)
    • "She felt secretly anxious about the presentation." (A subtle, unspoken anxiety)

3. Important Nuances & Considerations:

  • Contrast with Openly: "Secretly" often highlights a contrast with something that would be done or felt openly. It emphasizes the hidden nature.

  • Implied Motivation: There's often an underlying reason for staying secret – perhaps shame, fear, embarrassment, or a desire to surprise someone.

  • Using “Secretly” with “Knowingly”: Be careful not to confuse "secretly" with “knowingly.” “Knowingly” means aware of something, while "secretly" means it's hidden.

    • "He was secretly hoping for a raise (unaware of it)." (He didn't realize he was hoping)
    • "The agent was knowingly involved in the plot." (He was aware of his role)

4. Phrases with “Secretly”:

  • Secretly admire: To have a hidden appreciation for someone or something.
  • Secretly hope for: To wish for something unobtrusively.
  • Secretly resent: To feel hidden anger or dislike.
  • Secretly love: As above, a hidden affection.

5. Example Sentences Combining Concepts:

  • "She secretly admired her brother’s courage, even though she pretended to be jealous." (Hidden admiration contrasted with outward expression)
  • “He secretly packed a small gift for her, hoping to surprise her at dinner." (Hidden action motivated by a desire to surprise)

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "secretly"? (e.g., writing a story, describing a situation, etc.)
  • Is there a specific sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word secretly

Practice with vocabulary secretly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company acquired the startup's intellectual property _________, aiming to prevent market speculation.
  2. To avoid premature disclosure, all sensitive documents were marked "__________" and stored securely.
  3. She had been _________ funding the experimental research for years, hoping to achieve a breakthrough without public pressure.
  4. The diplomat met with the opposition leader _________, ensuring their discussions remained unofficial and low-profile.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The internal audit revealed that funds had been _________ diverted from the main budget. A) openly B) secretly C) visibly D) transparently

  2. The witness was asked to describe the events _________, without speculation or emotional bias. A) accurately B) vaguely C) imaginatively D) broadly

  3. Which words describe an action performed without the awareness of others, often for an illicit or hidden purpose? (Select all that apply) A) openly B) secretly C) obviously D) surreptitiously E) candidly

  4. The CEO decided to _________ announce the company's financial results during the quarterly briefing, ensuring all stakeholders were informed simultaneously. A) covertly B) discreetly C) publicly D) privately

  5. The competitor had been _________ developing a similar product for months, unbeknownst to the market and industry analysts. A) overtly B) openly C) transparently D) secretly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Their negotiations for the merger were conducted away from public scrutiny. (Rewrite using "secretly")

  2. The artist had been working on the masterpiece without anyone's knowledge for years. (Rewrite using "secretly" or a related word form)

  3. The company announced its new policy to its employees before making a public statement. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "secretly")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. secretly
  2. confidential
  3. secretly
  4. privately

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) secretly
  2. A) accurately
  3. B) secretly, D) surreptitiously
  4. C) publicly
  5. D) secretly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. They secretly conducted their negotiations for the merger.
  2. The artist had been secretly working on the masterpiece for years.
  3. The company privately announced its new policy to its employees before making a public statement.

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