devious
word
Definition
Describes someone who behaves in a dishonest or tricky way to get what they want. It can also mean something indirect or not straightforward.
Usage & Nuances
'Devious' is often negative and describes secret, clever, but dishonest actions. Common collocations: 'devious plan', 'devious route', 'devious person'. Don't confuse with 'devoted' — very different meanings.
Spanish: engañoso - sinuosoPortuguese (BR): ardiloso - desonestoPortuguese (PT): ardiloso - desonestoChinese (Simplified): 狡猾的 - 不诚实的Chinese (Traditional): 狡猾的 - 不誠實的Hindi: चालाक - कपटीArabic: مخادع - ماكرBengali: কুটিল - ছলনাময়Russian: хитрый - коварный - извилистый (о пути)Japanese: ずるい - 狡猾なVietnamese: xảo quyệt - quỷ quyệt - quanh co (cho đường đi)Korean: 교활한 - 음흉한 - 우회적인 (길 등)Turkish: dolandırıcı - sinsi - dolambaçlı (yol için)Urdu: چالباز - مکّار - گھماؤ دار (راستے کے لیے)Indonesian: licik - curang - berliku-liku (untuk jalur)
Example Sentences
He came up with a devious plan to get more money.
basic
A devious person is hard to trust.
basic
The road took a devious path through the forest.
basic
Don’t be so devious—just tell me the truth!
natural
She used some pretty devious tricks to win the game.
natural
He can be charming, but he's also incredibly devious at times.
natural