What characterizes actions that are 'surreptitious'?

Actions that are described as 'surreptitious' are characterized by being covert and secretive. The term typically implies that such actions are conducted in a way that avoids detection or attention, often because they are illicit or ethically questionable. Surreptitious actions are intentionally hidden from view, suggesting a level of deception or furtiveness in the approach taken. This aligns with the general use of the term in contexts where individuals attempt to conceal their activities from others, whether for reasons of personal privacy, to avoid scrutiny, or to achieve a goal without disclosing their intentions. The other options—open and transparent, casual and relaxed, or direct and explicit—contradict the inherent nature of surreptitious actions, which are fundamentally characterized by a lack of openness or clarity.