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cunning vs clever

Both 'cunning' and 'clever' are correct English words, but they have slightly different meanings and connotations. 'Cunning' often implies deceit or trickery, while 'clever' generally refers to intelligence, quick-wittedness, or skill. The choice between the two depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 917 views

cunning

The word 'cunning' is correct in English and is commonly used to describe someone who is clever in a deceitful or sly way.

Use 'cunning' to describe someone who is skillful in a deceitful or crafty manner. It often carries a negative connotation.

Examples:

The fox was cunning in outsmarting the other animals.
She devised a cunning plan to get what she wanted.
His cunning ways made it difficult to trust him.
The thief used cunning tactics to steal the jewels.
The cunning politician manipulated the situation to his advantage.

Show examples from the web [+]

skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner, as in deceiving; craftiness; guile. 2. adeptness in performance; dexterity: The weaver's hand lost its cunning. adjective.
Many cunning hints helped us solve the puzzle. Certains indices astucieux ... June's cunning look makes me wonder if she's up to something. Le regard malin de ...
this cat has made his way into the Fitness Center for cunning reasons of his own and reveals himself only to certain privileged individuals. —Joyce Carol Oates ...
In fairy tales, always watch out for the cunning fox or the cunning witch. Cunning means clever, in the sense of trickery. A cunning plan might involve setting traps ...

Alternatives:

sly
crafty
deceitful
shrewd
wily

clever

The word 'clever' is correct in English and is commonly used to describe someone who is intelligent, quick-witted, or skillful.

Use 'clever' to describe someone who is intelligent, quick-witted, or skillful in a positive way. It does not carry the negative connotations of deceit or trickery.

Examples:

She is a clever problem solver.
He came up with a clever solution to the puzzle.
The clever student always excels in class.
The magician's tricks were very cleverly executed.
The clever use of technology improved efficiency.

Show examples from the web [+]

Not so clever now, Doctor.
This celebration already proves clever suggestion.
Don't get clever with me.
Broken Irish is better than clever English.
It's quite clever, actually.
I thought that was your clever way of asking if I was married.
The Warehouse is always so clever.
A small but exclusive collection of humorous and clever ties.
Just so subtle and clever and quick-changing.
That's both clever and deeply unsettling.
But very clever people can hear dreams.
I got a million clever ideas.
Appoint someone both clever and trustworthy.
The naqahdah generator plan was very clever.
A clever trick when pressed for time.
Aquarists attach great importance to clever details and quality.
Humanity walked blindly into their very clever plans.
And the clever fellow rushed to bushes.
I see... very clever, Captain.
You're too clever and may not see any profits.

Alternatives:

smart
intelligent
quick-witted
skillful
ingenious

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