Devious - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Devious means behaving in a dishonest or indirect way to achieve one’s goals, often through trickery or deceit. It describes someone who is cunning and not straightforward.
Definition:
Showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals, often deceitfully.
Synonyms:
cunning, sly, crafty, scheming, underhanded
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
honest, straightforward, direct
Common Collocations:
devious plan, devious mind, devious tactics, devious scheme
Derivatives:
deviously, deviousness
Usage Tips:
Use "devious" to describe someone or something that is cleverly dishonest or manipulative in achieving their aims.
Common Phrases:
play a devious game, a devious twist of fate, the devious path to success
Etymology:
From Latin *devius* ("out of the way"), from *de-* ("off") + *via* ("way").
Examples:
- 1. She devised a devious plan to win the competition unnoticed.
- 2. His devious smile hinted at hidden motives behind his kindness.
- 3. The politician used devious tactics to discredit his opponent unfairly.
- 4. Her devious nature made it hard for others to trust her fully.