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Connive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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connive

[kəˈnaɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

secretly plot

To connive means to secretly plot or conspire, especially to do something illegal or harmful. It implies a level of deceit or dishonesty in the planning of the action. Conniving often involves a sense of cunning or slyness in order to achieve a desired outcome.

Synonyms

conspire, plot, scheme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
connive

Typically used when someone pretends not to notice or secretly supports a dishonest or illegal act. Often has a negative connotation.

  • She was accused of conniving with the thieves to steal from the company.
  • Managers were found to connive at the employees' attempts to manipulate performance metrics.
conspire

Used when people plan together secretly to do something harmful or illegal. Strong negative connotation.

  • The group conspired to overthrow the government.
  • They were arrested for conspiring to commit fraud.
plot

Typically used when planning a secret operation, often with a sinister or harmful intention. Has a negative connotation and is often associated with dramatic or serious situations.

  • The rebels were plotting an attack on the city.
  • He discovered a plot to poison the king.
scheme

Often describes a clever and detailed plan, but can sometimes be used for dishonest or secretive plans. It may have a negative connotation if the plan is deceitful.

  • They devised a scheme to capture the thief.
  • She was engaged in a complex scheme to embezzle money from the company.

Examples of usage

  • He connived with his business partner to deceive their investors.
  • The two criminals connived to steal the valuable artwork from the museum.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In literature, characters who connive often create tension, leading to dramatic twists in stories.
  • Movies frequently feature conniving villains who plot against heroes, adding excitement and conflict.
  • TV shows often explore themes of connivance in politics, portraying how characters manipulate each other.

Psychology

  • Conniving behavior can highlight deeper psychological traits like manipulation, allegiance, or betrayal.
  • Research indicates that individuals may connive to gain power or control in social situations.
  • Examining conniving behavior can reveal motivations behind deceit, which is often linked to self-interest.

Law

  • In legal contexts, conniving can be tied to collusion, where two or more parties secretly agree to deceive.
  • Cases of conspiracy often involve conniving activities that might not be overtly visible.
  • Understanding conniving actions is important in fraud investigations, as they may reveal underlying networks.

Historical Events

  • Throughout history, political figures have been accused of conniving to undermine rivals and secure power.
  • Historical treaties often involved levels of connivance, where leaders made secret agreements to benefit their states.
  • Certain revolutions were sparked by conniving plots to overthrow ruling powers, altering the course of nations.

Origin of 'connive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'connivere', which means 'to close one's eyes', suggesting ignoring something wrong.
  • It entered the English language in the 16th century, originally related to scheming and plotting.
  • Before 'connive', similar terms like 'collude' were used to describe secretive agreements.

The word 'connive' originates from the Latin word 'connivere', which means 'to close one's eyes'. It originally referred to knowingly allowing something wrong to happen without trying to stop it. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of secretly plotting or conspiring. The term gained popularity in English in the 17th century and has since been used to describe underhanded or deceitful actions.

See also: connivance, conniving.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,165 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.