What part of speech is "surreptitious", meaning "clandestine"?

“Surreptitious,” meaning “clandestine,” is an adjective. It describes something done secretly, especially to avoid notice or detection.

The word comes from Latin *surripere*, meaning “to steal away” or “to snatch secretly.” It entered English through French and has been used since the 16th century. Its original sense of taking something secretly developed into the broader modern idea of concealed or stealthy conduct.

As an adjective, “surreptitious” modifies a noun: a surreptitious meeting, a surreptitious glance, or surreptitious activity. It can also appear after a linking verb, as in “The exchange was surreptitious.” Related words include the adverb “surreptitiously,” meaning secretly, and the noun “surreptitiousness,” meaning the quality of being concealed.

A common mix-up is treating “surreptitious” as a synonym for merely “secret.” It usually suggests that the secrecy is intentional and may involve avoiding disapproval, discovery, or rules. “Covert” is a close neighbouring adjective, while “furtive” often emphasizes a person’s suspicious or guilty manner.