Cunning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cunning
[ˈkʌnɪŋ ]
Definitions
smart
Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| 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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Cunning characters often appear in folklore, such as Anansi the Spider, who uses wit to outsmart stronger foes.
- The character of Odysseus in Greek mythology is often described as cunning, using his cleverness to overcome challenges.
- In modern media, cunning characters are typically seen in thrillers and heist films, showcasing intelligence versus brute force.
Science
- Cunning behaviors in animals often relate to survival strategies, showing adaptations to outsmart predators or catch prey.
- Studies in animal behavior reveal that species like coyotes and crows exhibit cunning tactics to solve problems and obtain food.
- The capacity for cunning in social animals can indicate advanced brain functions, relating to problem-solving and adaptation.
Psychology
- Cunning can be linked to emotional intelligence, where individuals use their understanding of others to manipulate situations.
- Psychological theories suggest that those displaying cunning traits often possess high levels of creativity and strategic thinking.
- Research shows that individuals perceived as 'cunning' may evoke mixed feelings, ranging from admiration for their skills to distrust.
Literature
- Many classic literature characters, like Iago from Shakespeare's 'Othello', are defined by their cunning nature and deceptive skills.
- Cunning often serves as a central theme in stories where characters face moral dilemmas, highlighting the balance between intelligence and ethics.
- In children's literature, cunning characters may teach lessons about wit, caution, and the importance of honesty.
Origin of 'cunning'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cunning' comes from the Old English 'cunning', which meant 'knowledge' or 'skill'.
- The root is related to the word 'can', meaning to know how to do something, highlighting a skilled approach.
- In Middle English, 'cunning' also referred to being learned, showing a transition from knowledge to trickery.
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.