stealthy

Stealthy is an adjective describing behavior or movement intended to avoid detection. It applies to people, animals, and objects, and denotes quiet, unobtrusive, or concealed action. In military, hunting, and surveillance contexts, stealthy tactics aim to minimize sounds, light, scent, or footprints to remain unseen or unheard. In everyday language, a stealthy approach can refer to any careful, low-profile method used to achieve an objective without drawing attention.

Etymology: Stealthy derives from stealth, the noun for secretiveness or furtiveness. The suffix -y forms adjectives meaning "having the quality of." The concept has ancient roots across cultures and is used broadly to describe concealment in physical movement or strategy.

In culture and technology: The term is widely used in media and design. Stealth technology seeks to reduce detectability by radar, sonar, or other sensors. In video games and fiction, stealthy characters or protagonists rely on concealment, timing, and avoidance rather than direct confrontation. The phrase also appears in everyday descriptions of cautious or discreet behavior.

Limitations: Stealth is relative and context-dependent. Even stealthy actions may be detected by capable observers, sensors, or adverse conditions. The effectiveness depends on environment, tools, and the observer’s capabilities.