1.
[syn: secretly, in secret, on the Q.T., on the QT]
2. not openly; inwardly;
- Example: "they were secretly delighted at his embarrassment"
- Example: "hoped secretly she would change her mind"
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Secretly \Se"cret*ly\, adv.
In a secret manner.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
secretly
adv 1: in secrecy; not openly; "met secretly to discuss the
invasion plans"; "the children secretly went to the
movies when they were supposed to be at the library";
"they arranged to meet in secret" [syn: secretly, in
secret, on the Q.T., on the QT]
2: not openly; inwardly; "they were secretly delighted at his
embarrassment"; "hoped secretly she would change her mind"