guile
word
Definition
Intelligent and often dishonest behavior used to trick or deceive people in order to achieve something.
Usage & Nuances
'Guile' is formal and often used in literary or descriptive contexts. It usually describes cleverness with dishonest intent—often seen with words like 'cunning,' 'craft,' or 'without guile' (meaning honest or innocent). Common in phrases like 'full of guile' or 'use one's guile.'
Spanish: astucia - engañoPortuguese (BR): astúcia - sagacidadePortuguese (PT): astúcia - espertezaChinese (Simplified): 诡计 - 狡猾Chinese (Traditional): 詭計 - 狡猾Hindi: चतुराई - चालाकीArabic: مكر - دهاءBengali: চাতুর্য - ধূর্ততাRussian: хитрость - лукавствоJapanese: 策略（ずる賢さ） - 狡猾さVietnamese: mưu mẹo - xảo quyệtKorean: 교활함 - 책략Turkish: kurnazlık - hileUrdu: مکاری - عیاریIndonesian: kelicikan - tipu daya
Example Sentences
She used her guile to solve difficult problems.
basic
He won the game through guile, not strength.
basic
People admired her lack of guile.
basic
You need a bit of guile to get ahead in business these days.
natural
He hid his intentions with careful guile.
natural
Don't let his innocent look fool you; he has plenty of guile.
natural