Wily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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wily
[ˈwaɪli ]
Definitions
sly
Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully.
Synonyms
crafty, cunning, devious, scheming, sly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wily |
Use when describing someone who is clever at achieving their goals by using indirect and often slightly dishonest methods, often in a resourceful or adaptable way.
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| crafty |
Suitable for describing someone who is very skilled at achieving their aims through clever and possibly deceptive methods. This word often carries a more light-hearted or mischievous connotation.
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| cunning |
This is used for someone who is clever at planning and making things happen through deceit or trickery. It has a more negative connotation involving manipulation.
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| sly |
Describes someone who is secretive and clever, often with an implication of trickery but can also have a playful or mischievous undertone, depending on the context.
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| devious |
Best suited to describe actions or strategies that are dishonest and intended to deceive someone. Has a strong negative connotation.
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| scheming |
Use for someone who is constantly planning something, often with dishonest or deceitful intentions. Has a clear negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He's a wily old fox who knows how to get what he wants.
- The wily politician managed to avoid answering the difficult questions.
clever
Full of clever tricks; very clever and able to achieve what you want, especially in a slightly dishonest way.
Synonyms
crafty, cunning, devious, shrewd, sly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wily |
Use 'wily' to describe someone who is clever and skilled at gaining an advantage, often found in competitive or tricky situations. It suggests a sense of ingenuity but can also imply deceit.
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| shrewd |
Used to describe someone who has sharp judgment and is astute. It often has a positive connotation, especially in business or strategic contexts.
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| cunning |
Refers to someone who is skilled in achieving their aims through deceitful or manipulative methods. This word has a significantly negative connotation.
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| sly |
Often used to describe someone who is secretive and cunning, usually in a playful or mildly deceptive manner. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.
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| crafty |
Often used to describe someone who is good at achieving their goals by using clever or slightly dishonest means. It has a somewhat negative connotation.
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| devious |
Describes someone who uses underhanded tactics and is not straightforward. It is strongly negative, highlighting dishonesty and trickery.
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Examples of usage
- The wily detective solved the case using his intelligence and cunning.
- She came up with a wily plan to outsmart her opponents.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, characters described as wily often play the role of a trickster, challenging heroes in tales.
- Famous literary figures, like Odysseus from Homer's 'Odyssey', show wily behavior to outsmart opponents and escape danger.
- This quality is also seen in many fables, where animals demonstrate wily traits to overcome stronger foes.
Psychology
- People who exhibit wily behavior may use their intelligence to manipulate social situations to their advantage.
- Cunning strategies can be linked to higher emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to read social cues effectively.
- Such behavior often raises questions about ethics, as being too wily can blur the lines between cleverness and deceit.
Pop Culture
- Wily characters are common in movies and shows, where they often create humorous scenarios through their trickery.
- In popular video games, players frequently encounter wily opponents who use clever tactics to challenge gamers.
- The depiction of wily characters often reflects societal views on intelligence, resourcefulness, and morality.
Origin of 'wily'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'wily' comes from the Old English word 'wīl', meaning 'cunning' or 'sly'.
- It has roots in the Proto-Germanic language, linking to words for deceit and craftiness.
- The meaning has remained similar throughout centuries, reflecting a clever but possibly dishonest character.
The word 'wily' originated from the Old English word 'wil' meaning 'trick.' Over time, it evolved to 'wily' in Middle English, retaining its meaning of being skilled in deceitful tactics. The term has been commonly used in English literature and conversations to describe someone who is clever and cunning in achieving their goals.
See also: wile.