Deviously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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deviously
[ˈdiːviəsli ]
Definition
in a cunning or deceitful manner
Deviously is an adverb that describes the action of doing something in a sly, underhanded, or deceitful manner. It implies a sense of trickery or dishonesty in the way something is done.
Synonyms
craftily, cunningly, deceitfully, slyly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deviously |
Used when someone is acting in a dishonest or sneaky way to achieve their goals, often with negative intentions.
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| slyly |
Used when someone is being secretly cunning or tricky, often with a playful or mischievous connotation.
|
| craftily |
Refers to someone being clever and skilled in a deceptive or tricky way, often with a sense of ingenuity.
|
| cunningly |
Describes someone who uses their intelligence to cleverly achieve their goals, typically in a way that involves deception.
|
| deceitfully |
Indicates someone is being dishonest or misleading, intentionally hiding the truth or lying.
|
Examples of usage
- He deviously manipulated the situation to his advantage.
- She deviously plotted her revenge against her rival.
- The criminal deviously covered his tracks to avoid detection by the police.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that people who act deviously often exhibit higher levels of cunning or strategic thinking.
- Deviousness can stem from a desire to gain control or manipulate situations for personal benefit.
- Understanding devious behavior is crucial in psychology, as it affects social interactions and trust.
Literature
- Devious characters frequently appear in classic literature, embodying themes of betrayal and moral conflict.
- Shakespeare's plays often feature characters that use devious methods to achieve their ends, adding drama and intrigue.
- In modern fiction, anti-heroes often display deviously clever tactics, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, villains often use devious schemes, making for thrilling plot twists.
- The term has been popularized in songs and stories, where characters 'deviously' plot their revenge or success.
- Social media influencers sometimes employ devious strategies to gain followers, reflecting real-life cunning in a digital world.
History
- Throughout history, notable figures have been labeled as devious for their manipulative politics, reshaping nations.
- Historical accounts often depict devious strategies in warfare, showing how cunning can outweigh brute force.
- In ancient times, leaders who ruled with devious intent often faced backlash, leading to revolutions and reforms.
Origin of 'deviously'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'deviare', meaning 'to turn aside', indicating a departure from the straight path.
- It evolved through Middle English, gathering connotations of sneaky or indirect behavior.
- Related words like 'devious' highlight the moral deviation, often implying dishonesty.
The word 'deviously' originated from the Middle English term 'deveus' which meant 'mischievous'. Over time, it evolved to 'deviously' in Modern English, taking on the connotation of cunning or deceitful behavior. The word has been used in literature and everyday language to describe actions that are sneaky or dishonest.
See also: devious.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #38,396, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.