Guile: meaning, definitions and examples
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guile
[ ɡaɪl ]
deceitful behavior
Guile is the use of clever but dishonest methods to achieve something.
Synonyms
craftiness, cunning, deception, slyness
Examples of usage
- He used guile and deception to trick his opponents.
- The villain's guile knew no bounds as he manipulated those around him.
- She relied on her guile to outsmart her competitors.
- The con artist's guile was unmatched in the criminal underworld.
- Her guile was evident in the way she always seemed to get what she wanted.
cleverness
Guile can also refer to cleverness or skillful evasion.
Synonyms
cleverness, craftiness, ingenuity, skillfulness
Examples of usage
- His success was due to a combination of talent and guile.
- The detective used his guile to solve the case quickly.
- Her guile in negotiation always resulted in favorable outcomes.
- His opponent was no match for his quick thinking and guile.
- The athlete's guile on the field impressed both teammates and opponents.
Translations
Translations of the word "guile" in other languages:
🇵🇹 astúcia
- malícia
- artifício
🇮🇳 चालाकी
- बेवकूफी
- धोखा
🇩🇪 List
- Täuschung
- Hinterlist
🇮🇩 tipu daya
- kelicikan
- penipuan
🇺🇦 хитрість
- оман
- підступність
🇵🇱 podstęp
- chytrze
- oszustwo
🇯🇵 狡猾さ
- 策略
- 欺瞞
🇫🇷 ruse
- tromperie
- fourberie
🇪🇸 astucia
- engaño
- malicia
🇹🇷 kurnazlık
- hile
- aldatma
🇰🇷 교활함
- 속임수
- 음모
🇸🇦 مكر
- خداع
- حيلة
🇨🇿 lest
- podvod
- mazaní
🇸🇰 zloženie
- podvod
- mazaný
🇨🇳 狡猾
- 诡计
- 欺骗
🇸🇮 prevara
- zvijačnost
- premetenost
🇮🇸 gáta
- bragð
- svik
🇰🇿 қулық
- алдау
- айла
🇬🇪 ჭკვიანობა
- ტყუილი
- ხრიკი
🇦🇿 dələduzluq
- hiylə
- qurnazlıq
🇲🇽 astucia
- engaño
- malicia
Word origin
The word 'guile' originated from the Old French 'guile' meaning 'deceit, treachery'. It entered Middle English in the 13th century, retaining its meaning of cunning deception. Over time, 'guile' has come to encompass both deceitful behavior and cleverness. The term is often associated with trickery and manipulation, highlighting the dual nature of the word.