Scheming Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
scheming
[หskiหmษชล ]
Definitions
deceptive
Engaging in a secret or underhanded plot; typically for a selfish or harmful purpose. Often involves cunning or deceit.
Synonyms
conniving, planning, plotting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scheming |
Used to describe someone who is making secret plans to achieve a particular goal, often by manipulating or deceiving others. This word typically carries a negative connotation.
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| plotting |
Typically used to describe someone who is making secret plans, often for an unlawful or harmful purpose. This term has a negative connotation and is similar to scheming but can imply a more specific or elaborate set of plans.
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| conniving |
Describes someone who secretly cooperates or plots to do something harmful or illegal. This word has a very strong negative connotation and implies sneaky or treacherous behavior.
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| planning |
Involves organizing and preparing for a future event or activity in a methodical way, typically without any negative implications. This is a neutral or positive term.
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Examples of usage
- She was scheming to take over the company by spreading false rumors about her colleagues.
- The villain was always scheming to outsmart the hero and achieve his evil goals.
negative
A clever and often dishonest plan to achieve a goal, especially one that involves tricking people.
Synonyms
conniving, deceitful, manipulative.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scheming |
Similar to 'scheming' but highlights the person's craftiness and secretive nature in forming plots and plans.
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| conniving |
Describes someone conspiring to do something immoral, illegal, or harmful. It suggests secret cooperation and silent support for wrongdoings.
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| manipulative |
Describes someone who influences or controls others in a clever or unscrupulous way, often with selfish intentions. It implies psychological manipulation rather than physical force.
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| deceitful |
Refers to someone who is deliberately dishonest and intends to mislead or trick others. It strongly implies an intent to lie or cheat.
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Examples of usage
- The politician's scheming eventually led to his downfall when the truth was revealed.
- The movie's plot twist revealed the antagonist's elaborate scheming to frame the protagonist.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In literature, characters often labeled as scheming include Iago from Shakespeareโs 'Othello' and Lady Macbeth from 'Macbeth'.
- Many popular TV shows, like 'Game of Thrones', capture the art of scheming and political maneuvering.
- Movies like 'Ocean's Eleven' highlight the excitement and complexity of meticulously planned heists.
Psychology
- Studies show that people often scheme or plan when feeling insecure, as they believe it gives them a sense of control.
- Cognitive psychology suggests that scheming can stem from a need to solve problems creatively, even if the methods are unethical.
- The act of scheming can activate areas of the brain involved in reward processing, signaling the potential thrill of deception.
History
- Throughout history, political leaders have schemed to gain power, with infamous examples including Machiavelli's advice in 'The Prince'.
- Various revolutions were sparked by hidden schemes, such as plotting within the French Revolution to overthrow the monarchy.
- The term 'double-dealing' emerged to describe the scheming behavior of traitors throughout various conflicts.
Literature
- In classic literature, many villains are often portrayed as scheming, manipulating events from behind the scenes.
- The concept of the anti-hero often involves characters who scheme to achieve their goals, blurring moral lines.
- Famous works, like 'The Count of Monte Cristo', showcase how clever schemes can lead to revenge or justice.
Origin of 'scheming'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'scieman', meaning to plan or plot.
- It combines with the word 'scheme', which originally meant a design or plan, often for something elaborate.
- In the 18th century, the term began to take on a more sinister connotation, associated with underhanded plans.
The word 'scheming' originated from the Old French word 'escheme', meaning 'plan'. It evolved over time to encompass the notion of making secret or underhanded plans, often with a negative connotation. The concept of scheming has been prevalent throughout history in various forms, from political intrigue to fictional villains' plots.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #21,959, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
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- 21956 rickety
- 21957 incursion
- 21958 undying
- 21959 scheming
- 21960 forebears
- 21961 defenseless
- 21962 enumerating
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