Slyest: meaning, definitions and examples
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slyest
[ slaɪəst ]
character trait
The term 'slyest' is the superlative form of the adjective 'sly', which describes someone who is cunning, crafty, or deceitfully clever. A person considered to be the slyest might exhibit advanced skills in deception or manipulation, often getting ahead or avoiding trouble through clever but underhanded tactics. This trait can be viewed positively in contexts like strategy and negotiation, but negatively if it leads to dishonesty or betrayal.
Synonyms
crafty, cunning, devious, sneaky, wily.
Examples of usage
- He was the slyest of the group, always outsmarting the others.
- Her slyest move was convincing everyone she was their ally.
- They questioned if he was the slyest player in the game.
- The slyest fox outwitted all the traps laid for it.
Translations
Translations of the word "slyest" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mais astuto
🇮🇳 सबसे चालाक
🇩🇪 der schlauste
🇮🇩 paling licik
🇺🇦 найхитріший
🇵🇱 najsprytniejszy
🇯🇵 最も狡猾な
🇫🇷 le plus rusé
🇪🇸 el más astuto
🇹🇷 en kurnaz
🇰🇷 가장 교활한
🇸🇦 الأكثر دهاءً
🇨🇿 nejchytřejší
🇸🇰 najchytrejší
🇨🇳 最狡猾的
🇸🇮 najspretnejši
🇮🇸 snyrti
🇰🇿 ең айлакер
🇬🇪 ყველაზე გაწბილებული
🇦🇿 ən hiyləgər
🇲🇽 el más astuto
Etymology
The word 'sly' is derived from the Old Norse word 'slydr', which means 'cunning' or 'deceitful'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century, traditionally referring to behaviors that are clever in a sneaky or underhanded way. As language evolved, so did the usage of the term, expanding to describe not only individuals but also actions and tactics characterized by a lack of straightforwardness. The superlative 'slyest' emerged to denote the highest degree of slyness, emphasizing exceptional cunning or deceit compared to others. Over time, 'sly' and its derivatives have seen varied interpretations across cultures, often embodying both the negative connotations of dishonesty and the positive aspects of strategic cleverness.