Craftiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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craftiness

[ˈkrɑːftɪnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in deceit

Cleverness or skillfulness in deceiving others for personal gain.

Synonyms

cunning, deceitfulness, slyness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
craftiness	This word is generally used to describe someone's skill or cleverness in achieving something, often through ingenious means. It can be neutral or slightly cheeky but doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation. His craftiness in solving complex problems always amazed his colleagues
cunning	Cunning is often used to describe someone who is clever in a deceitful or tricky way. It carries a more negative connotation than 'craftiness' and implies a level of guile or sneakiness. The thief's cunning plan to steal the jewels almost succeeded
deceitfulness	This word is used when describing the quality of being dishonest and misleading. It has a very negative connotation and is often used to highlight someone's tendency to lie or deceive. Her deceitfulness was revealed when her fraudulent activities came to light
slyness	Slyness refers to being clever in a secretive way, often involving trickery or deceit. It has a slightly negative connotation but is not as harsh as 'deceitfulness'. His slyness in negotiations always gave him the upper hand

Examples of usage

He used his craftiness to manipulate the situation in his favor.
The scout showed great craftiness in outsmarting the enemy.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in creativity

Ingenuity or cleverness in creating or making things.

Synonyms

cleverness, ingenuity, skillfulness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
craftiness	This word is often used to describe someone who uses their smarts in a sly or deceitful way. It has a negative connotation. His craftiness allowed him to win the game by tricking the other players. She used her craftiness to get all the answers for the test.
ingenuity	This word highlights creativity and problem-solving skills, typically used in contexts that value innovation and inventive thinking. The engineer’s ingenuity led to the creation of a more efficient solar panel. Her ingenuity was evident in the way she redesigned the kitchen layout.
cleverness	This word is usually positive, indicating quick thinking and intelligence. It's often used to praise someone's innovative thinking. His cleverness shone through when he solved the difficult puzzle. Everyone admired her cleverness in finding a shortcut for the project.
skillfulness	This word focuses on proficiency and expertise in a particular task or action. It is generally positive and respects mastery. His skillfulness at playing the piano amazed everyone in the audience. The chef's skillfulness was evident in the delicious, perfectly cooked meal.

Examples of usage

The artist's craftiness was evident in her intricate designs.
The craftiness of the carpenter's work impressed everyone who saw it.

Translations

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

Origin of 'craftiness'

The word 'craftiness' originated from the Middle English word 'crafti', meaning skillful or clever. It has been used to describe both deceitful cunning and creative ingenuity throughout history. The concept of craftiness has been explored in various literary works, highlighting the dual nature of the term.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,563 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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33560 tediously
33561 stuccoed
33562 astronomically
33563 craftiness
33564 battlement
33565 squawked
33566 conformer
...