Word definitions are a widespread phenomenon in modern English, fostering cohesion and comprehension. Grasping the exact meanings of terms is essential in academic writing to ensure an accurate communication of concepts. These definitions serve as bridges between dozens of cultures, languages, and perspectives. This article will delve into the etymology of “cunning” and go over its definition and use in a sentence.
Definition of “cunning”
The adjective “cunning” refers to the quality of being skillful in achieving one’s goals through deceit or manipulation. It often implies a shrewd or sly nature, where the individual uses their intelligence and strategic thinking to outwit others or navigate complex situations to their advantage.
Use of “cunning” in a sentence
The term “cunning” functions as an adjective and refers to the skill of being clever and deceitful to achieve a specific goal, often employing trickery or subtle manipulation. It can also function as a noun, and while it might not be as commonly used in everyday language compared to its adjectival form, it can be meaningfully used in literature. As a noun, “cunning” refers to the skill of being good at planning something to achieve one’s aims by being deceitful. The following sentences illustrate the use of this term as both an adjective and a noun.
Examples
- The fox is often portrayed as a cunning animal in many folk tales. (Adjective)
- She used her cunning to navigate the corporate ladder by gaining promotions faster. (Noun)
- The detective admired the criminal’s cunning, although he was eager to catch him. (Noun)
How to spell “cunning” correctly
The word “cunning” likely originates from Old Norse’s “kunna,” meaning “know,” which is related to “can.” Some say that it might also be derived from the Old English word “conninge,” which translates to “knowledge” or “understanding” and later turned into “ability to understand” in a sense of cleverness or shrewdness by the late 14th century.
Correct spelling
cunning
Wrong spelling
cuning
However, there is one thing to point out in the note below.
Note: In North American English, “cunning” describes someone as attractive or cute.
Synonyms for “cunning”
For a more thorough understanding of the meaning and usage of the term “cunning,” it may be helpful to use synonyms for it. Additionally, you can avoid repetition and redundancy in your academic work. The table below shows alternative words for “cunning” and respective examples of how to use them properly in sentences.
| Synonyms (adjective) | Examples |
| Devious | His strategies were so cunning that his rivals never saw them coming. |
| His strategies were so devious that his rivals never saw them coming. | |
| Sly | The fox used its cunning instincts to avoid the traps set by the farmer. |
| The fox used its sly instincts to avoid the traps set by the farmer. | |
| Wily | The negotiator employed cunning tactics to secure the best deal. |
| The negotiator employed wily tactics to secure the best deal. |
| Synonyms (noun) | Examples |
| Deceit | The cunning of the spy was evident in his ability to maintain his cover. |
| The deceit of the spy was evident in his ability to maintain his cover. | |
| Guile | The hero had to match the villain's cunning to outwit him. |
| The hero had to match the villain's guile to outwit him. | |
| Trickery | The magician's elaborate cunning left the audience spellbound. |
| The magician's elaborate trickery left the audience spellbound. |
FAQs
A cunning person is someone clever in a deceiving and manipulative way to attain whatever they want.
The term “cunning” can carry both positive and negative connotations. It can refer to someone who’s clever and achieves goals through skillful and strategic thinking. However, it often suggests deceitfulness and trickery when it comes to achieving said goals, for example in a political context.
Essentially, “cunning” is a form of cleverness, but the distinction lies in how this cleverness is portrayed. Cunning involves deception and manipulation.
Synonyms for “cunning” as an adjective are: sly, wily, and devious.
Synonyms for “cunning” as a noun are: guile, deceit, and trickery.
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