Cunning: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆ
cunning
[ หkสnษชล ]
smart
Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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cunning |
This word is often used to describe someone who is skillful in achieving their goals through deceit or evasion. It can have a negative connotation.
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crafty |
This word describes someone who is good at achieving their goals through indirect or deceptive means. It often has a slightly negative connotation.
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sly |
This word is used to describe someone who is stealthy and clever in a deceitful way. It usually carries a negative connotation.
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devious |
This word is used for describing someone who is intentionally deceitful or misleading. It has a strong negative connotation.
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clever |
This term is generally positive and describes someone who is quick to understand, learn, and devise smart solutions.
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Examples of usage
- Tom was cunning enough to fool his opponents into believing his plan.
- She used her cunning mind to outsmart her competitors in the business world.
intelligence
Skill employed in a shrewd or crafty manner, as in deceiving; guile.
Synonyms
craftiness, cunningness, ingenuity, wile.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
cunning |
Cunning is often used to describe someone who is clever and deceitful, particularly in planning to achieve their own goals or outsmart others.
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ingenuity |
Ingenuity highlights inventiveness and cleverness, focusing on the ability to solve problems in creative and innovative ways. It generally has a positive connotation.
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craftiness |
Craftiness refers to skilled deceit and trickery. It is often used with a somewhat negative connotation, implying slyness or guile.
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wile |
Wile refers to the ability to employ subtle tactics and manipulation to achieve one's goals. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting deceit.
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Examples of usage
- The spy relied on his cunning to gather valuable information.
- Her cunning allowed her to navigate through difficult situations with ease.
Translations
Translations of the word "cunning" in other languages:
๐ต๐น astรบcia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคฒเคพเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Gerissenheit
๐ฎ๐ฉ licik
๐บ๐ฆ ั ะธัััััั
๐ต๐ฑ chytroลฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ็ก็พ
๐ซ๐ท ruse
๐ช๐ธ astucia
๐น๐ท kurnazlฤฑk
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ตํํจ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฏูุงุก
๐จ๐ฟ mazanost
๐ธ๐ฐ prefรญkanosลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ็ก็พ
๐ธ๐ฎ pretkanost
๐ฎ๐ธ slรฆgรฐ
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะนะปะฐะบะตัะปัะบ
๐ฌ๐ช แชแแแแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ hiylษgษr
๐ฒ๐ฝ astucia
Etymology
The word 'cunning' originated from the Middle English word 'cunnan', which means 'to know'. Over time, the word evolved to represent skill and intelligence used in a clever or deceitful manner. The concept of cunning has been depicted in various literary works, showcasing characters who use their wit and guile to achieve their goals.