Cunning: meaning, definitions and examples

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cunning

[ˈkʌnɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

smart

Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.

Synonyms

clever, crafty, devious, sly.

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. The fox is known for its cunning nature. She used her cunning to escape the difficult situation.
crafty	This word describes someone who is good at achieving their goals through indirect or deceptive means. It often has a slightly negative connotation. The crafty politician managed to outmaneuver his opponents. She gave a crafty smile, knowing she had tricked him.
sly	This word is used to describe someone who is stealthy and clever in a deceitful way. It usually carries a negative connotation. The sly cat managed to steal the fish unnoticed. He gave her a sly wink, indicating he had a secret.
devious	This word is used for describing someone who is intentionally deceitful or misleading. It has a strong negative connotation. His devious plan was eventually uncovered. She was known for her devious ways in the business world.
clever	This term is generally positive and describes someone who is quick to understand, learn, and devise smart solutions. He came up with a clever solution to the problem. She's a very clever student who always gets good grades.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. The cunning fox outwitted the hunters. She devised a cunning plan to get what she wanted.
ingenuity	Ingenuity highlights inventiveness and cleverness, focusing on the ability to solve problems in creative and innovative ways. It generally has a positive connotation. Her ingenuity in designing the new software was commendable. The child's ingenuity was evident in the way he constructed the model.
craftiness	Craftiness refers to skilled deceit and trickery. It is often used with a somewhat negative connotation, implying slyness or guile. His craftiness earned him a reputation as a shrewd negotiator. The craftiness of the politician was evident in his ability to manipulate public opinion.
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. Through wile and charm, he managed to convince them to invest. The villain used every wile at his disposal to deceive the hero.

Examples of usage

The spy relied on his cunning to gather valuable information.
Her cunning allowed her to navigate through difficult situations with ease.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "cunning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 astúcia

🇮🇳 चालाकी

🇩🇪 Gerissenheit

🇮🇩 licik

🇺🇦 хитрість

🇵🇱 chytrość

🇯🇵 狡猾

🇫🇷 ruse

🇪🇸 astucia

🇹🇷 kurnazlık

🇰🇷 교활함

🇸🇦 دهاء

🇨🇿 mazanost

🇸🇰 prefíkanosť

🇨🇳 狡猾

🇸🇮 pretkanost

🇮🇸 slægð

🇰🇿 айлакерлік

🇬🇪 ცბიერება

🇦🇿 hiyləgər

🇲🇽 astucia

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,673 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9670 nowadays
9671 vaccination
9672 barge
9673 cunning
9674 whereupon
9675 jeans
9676 expulsion
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