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Wilier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wilier

[ˈwɪliər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

quality description

Wilier refers to someone who is more cunning or clever, often using their wits to gain an advantage. It indicates a level of craftiness or shrewdness that is sometimes associated with deceit or trickery.

Synonyms

crafty, cunning, shrewd, sly.

Examples of usage

  • He was wilier than his opponents in the negotiation.
  • She used a wilier approach to solve the complex problem.
  • The wilier fox outsmarted the hound.
  • In the game of chess, being wilier can secure a surprise checkmate.

Translations

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Origin of 'wilier'

The term 'wilier' derives from the word 'wily', which originated from the Old English term 'wīl', meaning 'crafty' or 'sly'. This adjective became more commonly used to describe someone who is clever in a deceitful way. The etymology of 'wily' can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word '*wīlaz', which means 'to deceive or to trick'. The suffix '-er' is then used to denote the comparative form, indicating a greater degree of the quality. Over time, 'wilier' has come to depict not just cleverness but a certain mischievousness or trickster quality. The usage in literature and common speech has evolved, seeing a pattern of application mainly in contexts involving strategic thinking, competitive scenarios, or manipulative behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,646, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.