cunning
Translation
cunning, sly, crafty, wily
Examples
He was as cunning as a fox.
He was as cunning as a fox.
She has a very cunning mind.
She has a very cunning mind.
Grammar Patterns
((cunning)) ((noun)) clever in a deceptive way A cunning fox stole the cheese.
as ((cunning)) as a fox very clever and sly He is as cunning as a fox.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sly, crafty, wily; Antonyms: naive, guileless, artless
Etymology
From Old English 'cunnian' meaning 'to know', related to 'can' and 'know'. The sense shifted to 'cleverness' and then to 'deceitful cleverness'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'cunning' fox from a story, always tricking other animals to get what it wants.