Sly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sly
[slaɪ ]
Definitions
tricky
having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature; sneaky
Synonyms
crafty, cunning, deceitful, sneaky.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sly |
Used to describe someone who is clever in a way that is not obvious, often in a playful or charming manner.
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| cunning |
Indicates someone who uses their intelligence to achieve their goals, often through deceit or trickery. This word often carries a more negative connotation.
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| crafty |
Describes someone who is good at achieving their goals through clever and possibly dishonest means, often related to small, specific actions.
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| deceitful |
Refers to someone who regularly lies or misleads others, generally considered a very negative trait.
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| sneaky |
Describes actions or behaviors done secretly and in a way meant to avoid being noticed, usually with negative implications.
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Examples of usage
- He had a sly smile on his face as he plotted his next move.
- She gave him a sly wink to signal that the plan was in motion.
secretly
in a cunning and deceitful manner; stealthily
Synonyms
cunningly, secretly, stealthily.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sly |
Used to describe someone who is being cleverly deceitful or cunning, often in a way that is meant to be hidden and tricky.
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| stealthily |
Describes an action done quietly and carefully to avoid being noticed. It often implies a cautious and sneaky manner.
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| secretly |
Used when something is done in a hidden manner without others knowing. It doesn't necessarily imply deceit or trickery, but simply privacy.
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| cunningly |
Describes an action done with cleverness and subtle skill, often to achieve a secret or deceitful objective. It usually has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She slipped out of the room slyly, hoping not to be noticed.
- He slyly pocketed the extra change without anyone noticing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Sly characters are prominent in literature, such as the cunning Odysseus in Homer's 'Odyssey,' known for his clever tricks.
- In William Shakespeare's play 'The Taming of the Shrew,' the character Petruchio uses sly tactics to win over Katherina.
- The term 'sly' often appears in fables, indicating the importance of wit and craftiness in moral lessons.
Psychology
- Sly behavior can sometimes be associated with higher emotional intelligence, as understanding others' emotions can lead to strategic advantages.
- People who display slyness may be skilled in manipulation, using psychological insights to navigate social situations.
- Research indicates that being perceived as sly can impact trust; people may be drawn to or wary of those who exhibit this trait.
Pop Culture
- In animated series, sly characters like sly foxes often represent mischief, emphasizing wit over brawn.
- Movies like 'The Fox and the Hound' depict foxes as intelligent and crafty, reinforcing the cultural image of slyness.
- Video games often feature sly characters as anti-heroes, showcasing that cleverness can be more effective than brute force.
Animal Behavior
- Foxes, often labeled as sly, showcase problem-solving skills that help them evade predators and catch prey.
- Sly hunting techniques include using the cover of night and stealth to surprise prey, illustrating clever survival tactics.
- Social animals may use sly behaviors to navigate complex hierarchies, ensuring their position within the group.
Origin of 'sly'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sly' comes from the Old English word 'slyh,' which meant 'crafty' or 'cunning.'
- In Middle English, the spelling evolved to 'slye,' reflecting how language changes over time.
- Related words in other languages show similar meanings, like 'rusé' in French, which also means cunning.
The word 'sly' originated from Old Norse 'slœgr' and Middle Low German 'slē', both meaning 'cunning' or 'clever'. It has been used in English since the 13th century to describe someone who is deceitful or sneaky.