guile
Noun
Hard difficulty
What does “guile” mean?
noun.sly or cunning intelligence.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts involving deception, strategy, or moral ambiguity, such as in discussions of political maneuvering or literary characters. It emphasizes a cleverness that involves trickery or deceit, distinguishing it from similar words like "cleverness," which lacks the connotation of dishonesty.
Common Confusions
Guile implies a cunning or deceitful intelligence used for manipulation, while cleverness usually suggests a quick-wittedness or ingenuity devoid of any dishonest intent.
Do not choose guile if the context emphasizes honesty or straightforwardness rather than sly or cunning intelligence.
Example Sentences
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The diplomat relied more on guile than on direct confrontation.