Guile Meaning and Definition
Guile
Pronunciation
/ˈɡaɪl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A guile is a quality of cunning or cleverness, often involving deceit or trickery, used to achieve a desired outcome or gain an advantage over others.
Examples
1. “The entrepreneur used her guile to negotiate a better deal with the investor.”
2. “The politician’s use of guile to deceive the public about the economic situation raised concerns about his integrity.”
Synonyms
1. Cunning
2. Cleverness
3. Deception
Antonyms
1. Honesty
2. Sincerity
3. Integrity
Etymology
The word “guile” originates from the Old English word “gīl”, which means “cunning” or “deceit”. It has been used in the English language since the 13th century to describe a person’s ability to use clever tactics or cunning to achieve a goal.
Usage Notes
Guile can be used in a variety of contexts, including politics, business, and social interactions. However, it is essential to use it in a way that is respectful and considerate of others’ feelings and well-being.
When describing someone’s use of guile, it is crucial to consider the motivations and consequences of their actions. Use guile in a way that is constructive and beneficial to all parties involved.
Cultural References
Guile has appeared in various forms of popular culture, including literature, films, and television shows. For example, in the classic Disney movie “Tangled”, the character of Mother Gothel uses her guile to manipulate Rapunzel into believing she is her mother.
Another example is the video game series “Street Fighter”, where the character Guile is known for his speed and agility, as well as his cunning tactics during battles.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions that include the word guile are:
1. “Sticking to your guile”
2. “Using your guile to get ahead”
3. “Guiling someone into doing something”
Collocations
Some common collocations with guile are:
1. “A delicate balance of guile and honesty”
2. “The use of guile in business negotiations”
3. “A person’s guile in achieving success”
Frequency of Use
The word guile is not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, it can be used in formal or written contexts, such as in business or academic writing, to describe a person’s use of cunning or cleverness.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word guile include:
1. Guile is often misspelled as “gyle” or “gill”.
2. In formal or academic writing, guile may be misspelled as “guilee” or “gylee”.