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Cunningest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cunningest

[หˆkสŒnษชล‹ษ™st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

degree of cleverness

Cunningest refers to the superlative form of cunning, which means being skilled in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion. This term implies a high level of cleverness and ability to manipulate situations to one's advantage, often in a scheming or sly manner.

Synonyms

craftiest, most deceitful, slyest.

Examples of usage

  • He was the cunningest fox in the forest.
  • She devised the cunningest plan to win the game.
  • Among the group, he was the cunningest negotiator.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters that are described as 'cunningest' often outsmart their opponents, displaying intelligence & strategy.
  • Famous cunning characters include Odysseus from Homer's 'Odyssey', who uses wits to navigate dangerous situations.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s plays often feature cunning characters who manipulate others for personal gain, adding depth to the narrative.

Psychology

  • Cunning individuals often rely on social intelligence, understanding others' emotions and motivations to achieve their goals.
  • Psychological studies suggest that those who exhibit cunning traits can be highly adaptable in changing environments.
  • It is believed that cunning behavior may correlate with higher levels of creativity in problem-solving.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies portray cunning characters as anti-heroes, showcasing their cleverness as both a strength and a moral dilemma.
  • The cunning fox is a common archetype in folklore and cartoons, often symbolizing wits over strength.
  • Popular games, such as chess, often reward cunning strategies that outsmart opponents.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In various cultures, being clever is celebrated, but extreme cunning associated with trickery can be viewed negatively.
  • Folktales around the world often feature cunning tricksters who challenge authority or norms, teaching moral lessons.
  • In some Eastern philosophies, cunning is balanced against wisdom; true intelligence reflects kindness alongside cleverness.

Origin of 'cunningest'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cunning' comes from the Old English 'cunning', meaning knowledge or skill.
  • Its earlier forms were often related to the idea of being able to achieve something through cleverness or artfulness.
  • Over time, 'cunning' shifted from a neutral term to one often associated with deceit or trickery.

The word 'cunning' originates from the Old English 'cunning', which means 'knowledgeable', deriving from 'cunnan', meaning 'to know'. The transition from knowledge to skillful deceitfulness evolved over time, especially by the Middle Ages, where 'cunning' came to have more negative connotations related to sly and deceitful behavior. The superlative form 'cunningest' emphasizes the highest degree of skill in manipulation or craftiness. This word has been commonly used in literature and folklore to describe characters, often animals, that demonstrate intelligence and craftiness, hence the association with the cleverness of a fox.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,902, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.