cunning — having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkʌnɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The cunning cat pretended to sleep while secretly watching the fish tank.
- His cunning business strategy helped him dominate the market.
- The cunning politician avoided answering the difficult question with a joke.
cunning
ADJECTIVE[/ˈkʌnɪŋ/]
having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion
a fox merchant with a mischievous smile secretly switches price tags on jewelry while customers aren't looking. He smoothly moves expensive items to the cheap section and places cheap trinkets where the valuable ones were. When a customer picks up what they think is an inexpensive necklace, they're actually getting a costly piece for almost nothing. The fox pockets the difference while pretending to be helpful and friendly. Other shoppers browse nearby, completely unaware of the clever scheme happening right in front of them. The merchant's satisfied expression shows he's successfully tricking everyone. someone achieving their ends through skillful deceit and evasion
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'cunning', derived from Old Norse 'kunnandi' meaning 'knowing' or 'skilled'. The word originally had positive connotations of knowledge and skill, but gradually shifted to mean 'sly' or 'crafty'.
Breakdown
kunn- (to know/be able) + -ing (present participle suffix, meaning 'having the quality of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cunning cat pretended to sleep while secretly watching the fish tank.”
“His cunning business strategy helped him dominate the market.”
“The cunning politician avoided answering the difficult question with a joke.”
“She showed great cunning in negotiating the deal.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.