secretive
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se·cre·tive

adjective \ˈsē-krə-tiv, si-ˈkrē-\

Definition of SECRETIVE

: disposed to secrecy : not open or outgoing in speech, activity, or purposes
se·cre·tive·ly adverb
se·cre·tive·ness noun

Examples of SECRETIVE

  1. He's very secretive about his work.
  2. <the intelligence agency remained secretive despite the media's demands for more openness in government>

Origin of SECRETIVE

back-formation from secretiveness, part translation of French secrétivité
First Known Use: 1835

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