Secretamente

Secretamente is an Italian adverb used to express that an action is performed in a secret or concealed manner. It is formed from the adjective segreto, meaning "secret," plus the adverbial suffix -mente. The spelling secretamente is relatively uncommon in standard Italian, where segretamente is the more typical adverb and in segreto is the common way to say “in secret.”

Etymology and forms: The word derives from the Latin secretus, meaning hidden or secret, via the Italian noun segreto. The expected Italian adverbial form from that root is segretamente; secretamente appears in some literary or stylistic contexts and is sometimes considered a variant influenced by Romance languages such as Spanish or Portuguese, where secretamente is standard.

Usage and register: In modern Italian, speakers more often use segretamente or the phrase in segreto to convey secrecy. Secretamente may appear in poetry, formal prose, or translations where a particular cadence or stylistic effect is sought. It is less common in everyday speech and writing.

See also: Italian adverbs, in segreto, segreto, clandestinamente.

In summary, secretamente is a recognized but relatively rare adverb in Italian, with segretamente and in segreto serving as its more common equivalents in contemporary usage.