cunning

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
  2. noun crafty artfulness (especially in deception)
  3. adjective attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness

Etymology

From Middle English cunning, kunning, konnyng, alteration of earlier Middle English cunninde, kunnende, cunnand, from Old English cunnende, present participle of cunnan (“to know how to, be able to”), equivalent to con + -ing. Cognate with Scots cunnand (“cunning”), German könnend (“able to do”), Icelandic kunnandi (“cunning”). More at con, can.

In classic literature

Synonyms

craft, craftiness, foxiness, guile, slyness, wiliness

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