devious
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “devious” mean?
adjective.showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.
SAT Usage
this term is often used in passages related to politics, ethics, or character analysis. It emphasizes cunning and deceitful behavior, suggesting a deliberate manipulation of situations for personal gain, which differs from similar words like "sly," that may not carry the same moral implication of wrongdoing.
Common Confusions
Devious implies a skillful use of deceitful tactics for personal gain, while sly usually suggests cleverness or cunning without necessarily implying unethical behavior.
Do not choose devious if the context emphasizes straightforwardness or honesty rather than showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.
Example Sentences
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He used devious tactics to undermine his rival's campaign.