PROH-tee-un
(adjective) Able to change or adapt easily; versatile.
His protean acting abilities allowed him to play both villain and hero convincingly.
Fun Fact
The word comes from Proteus, a Greek sea god who could change shape at will. In modern use, it’s often applied to creative talents, politicians, or technologies that constantly reinvent themselves.
sur-up-TISH-us
(adjective) Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of; stealthy or secretive.
She cast a surreptitious glance at her phone during the meeting.
Late Middle English: from Latin “surreptitius,” from “surripere” meaning “to take away secretly,” from “sub-” (secretly) + “rapere” (to seize).
Fun Fact
Surreptitious behavior isn’t necessarily illegal or immoral—it’s just done on the sly because it wouldn’t be approved. Surreptitious glances at your watch during boring presentations, surreptitious snacking before dinner, surreptitious phone checks during conversations—these minor sneaky acts define modern life. The word shares its Latin root with “rapture” through the idea of seizing, though surreptitious seizing happens quietly rather than ecstatically. Spy novels love the word for describing covert operations, but everyday surreptitious acts are far more common than espionage, making it the perfect word for socially awkward secret-keeping.
Today's Word Surreptitious sur-up-TISH-us Definition (adjective) Kept secret, especially because...
Read MoreToday's Word Overweening oh-ver-WEE-ning Definition (adjective) Showing excessive confidence or...
Read More