clandestinely

Clandestinely is an adverb describing actions done in secret, typically to avoid detection or for illicit or sensitive purposes. Etymology: from clandestine (secret) + -ly; ultimately from Latin clandestinus via Old French clandestin. Usage: common in reporting and scholarly writing to describe covert operations, secret negotiations, or hidden activities; context matters: can describe both illicit and legitimate privacy-driven acts. Nuance: implies concealment and sometimes illegality or moral ambiguity. Examples: "The researchers met clandestinely to avoid press attention." "Officials conducted clandestine negotiations." Synonyms: secretively, covertly, furtively, surreptitiously. Antonyms: openly, publicly. See also: clandestine, secrecy, covert. However, as an adverb, it emphasizes the manner of action.