devious
What does "devious" mean?
The word "devious" describes someone who uses underhanded, shifty, or dishonest tactics to achieve their goals. The mental image is of a path that is not straight; just as a winding, twisting road prevents you from seeing what lies ahead, a devious person hides their true intentions behind a labyrinth of misdirection. While it can refer to a literal route that is indirect or circuitous, it is most commonly used to describe personality traits or strategies. It implies a lack of integrity and a reliance on cunning, often suggesting that the person is manipulative or untrustworthy. It is a negative term, often used when someone has successfully tricked others through clever deceit.
"devious" in conversation
Discussing a colleague
I don't trust Mark's new proposal.
I don't trust Mark's new proposal.
He's always been a bit devious, hasn't he?
He's always been a bit devious, hasn't he?
Exactly, he's hiding something in the fine print.
Exactly, he's hiding something in the fine print.
Used to express suspicion of someone's hidden motives.
A mystery novel discussion
The villain's plan was so devious!
The villain's plan was so devious!
I know, I never expected him to frame the detective.
I know, I never expected him to frame the detective.
Used to praise the cleverness of a fictional antagonist.
"devious" in a sentence
He took a devious path through the woods to avoid being seen.
He took a devious path through the woods to avoid being seen.
The lawyer used devious tactics to confuse the witness during the trial.
The lawyer used devious tactics to confuse the witness during the trial.
She was known for her devious schemes to climb the corporate ladder at the expense of her colleagues.
She was known for her devious schemes to climb the corporate ladder at the expense of her colleagues.
