Meaning & Definition of word "Guile"
to
Guile
/ɡaɪl/
noun:
- 1. Sly or cunning intelligence; the quality of being deceitful and cunning.
- Example: The con artist relied on his guile to swindle unsuspecting victims.
- 2. A clever or cunning trick; deception.
- Example: Her guile was evident when she skillfully manipulated the situation to her advantage.
- 3. Deceptive cunning; skill in achieving goals through deceit.
- Example: Despite his apparent honesty, there was a sense of guile in his demeanor.
Etymology
Middle English 'guile' from Old French 'eguil', which means 'deceit' or 'trick'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to have guile:
To possess clever and deceitful cunning.
guileless:
Without deceit or cunning; innocent and naive.
artful guile:
Skillful use of cunning to achieve one's aims.
Related Words
cunning:
Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit.
deceit:
The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.
Slang Meanings of guile
Meaning: To pull a fast one
Example Sentence: He pulled a fast one on the new guy at work, using guile to hide his true intentions.
Meaning: To play the game
Example Sentence: In business, you often have to play the game and use a little guile to get ahead.