Sly Meaning and Definition
Sly
Pronunciation
/slaɪ/
Part of Speech
Noun or Adjective
Definition
A cunning, clever, and often sneaky person; a person who is able to act in a discreet and insidious manner, often with the intention of achieving a hidden goal.
Examples
- The sly salesman convinced me to buy the expensive watch.
- She was a sly player in the game, always trying to outmaneuver her opponents.
Synonyms
- Crafty
- Meek
- Sly
Antonyms
- Blunt
- Frank
- Transparent
Etymology
The word “Sly” originated from the Old English word “slīc”, which means “cunning” or “crafty”.
Usage Notes
The word “Sly” is often used to describe someone who is able to act in a discreet and insidious manner, often with the intention of achieving a hidden goal. It can also be used to describe someone who is cunning and clever, but not necessarily in a positive way.
Cultural References
Sly has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. Examples include the character Sly Cooper from the video game series, and the character Sly Stallone from the Rocky film series.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Sly as a fox
- Slyly
Related Words or Phrases
- Cunning
- Crafty
- Meek
Collocations
- Sly moves
- Sly tactics
- Sly behavior
Frequency of Use
Sly is a moderately used word in everyday language, often used to describe someone’s behavior or actions.
Common Misspellings
- Slie
- Slye