Cunning Meaning and Definition
Cunning
Pronunciation
/ˈkʌnɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun or Adjective
Definition
A clever or skillful plan or strategy, especially one that is cleverly planned or executed to deceive or cheat someone.
Examples
- The cunning plan ultimately resulted in the team winning the game.
- Her cunning ways of getting what she wanted earned her a bad reputation.
Synonyms
- Cleverness
- Slyness
- Deftness
Antonyms
- Innocence
- Sincerity
- Naivety
Etymology
The word “cunning” comes from the Old English word “cunnung”, which means ” skill” or “expertise”. It has evolved to encompass the meanings of cleverness and clever plans.
Usage Notes
Cunning can be used to describe plans, actions, or even people who are clever or deceptive. It is often used in a variety of contexts, including literature, film, and everyday conversation.
Cultural References
Cunning has been referenced in various forms of popular culture, including literature, film, and television. Notable examples include the TV show “Game of Thrones” and the book “The Count of Monte Cristo”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Cunning is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “cunning plan” or “cunningly clever”.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “cunning” include “clever”, “sly”, “deceptive”, and “experts”.
Collocations
Common word combinations with “cunning” include “cunning plan”, “cunning ways”, and “cunning tactics”.
Frequency of Use
Cunning is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, and it is often used in formal or literary contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “cunning” include “cununning”, “cuninin”, and “cunningly”.