cunning

What does “cunning” mean?

adjective.having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit.

SAT Usage

this term is often found in passages related to strategy, manipulation, or moral ambiguity, particularly in contexts involving characters who achieve their goals through trickery. It emphasizes a blend of cleverness and deceitfulness, distinguishing itself from words like "sly," which may lack the same level of strategic intent or cunningness.

Common Confusions

Cunning implies a strategic skill in deceitful tactics, while sly usually suggests a more general cleverness that may not involve the same level of calculated intent or manipulation.

Example Sentences

• The fox was known for its cunning in avoiding traps.

• His cunning plan to outsmart the competition involved careful strategizing and an understanding of their weaknesses, showcasing his sharp intellect.