Devious
'diːviəs
Definitions
2 meaningsWilling to lie and trick people in order to get what is wanted.
'diːviəs
Showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.
The detective suspected the suspect was being devious in his answers.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone trying to win a game by cheating, or using sneaky tricks. That person is being devious!
👶 For kids: When someone is devious, they're like a sneaky fox, trying to trick others to get what they want.
More Examples
The plan was devious, designed to take advantage of their competitors' weaknesses.
Her devious smile gave her true intentions away.
How It's Used
"The politician employed devious strategies to win the election."
"The villain in the novel was a devious character, always plotting against the hero."
Winding or indirect; not straightforward.
'diːviəs
Departing from the straight or direct course; roundabout.
The river's devious course led it through several valleys.
💡 Simply: Imagine a road that isn't straight, but winds around and around. That's a devious path!
👶 For kids: When something is devious, it doesn't go straight. It goes around and around like a maze!
More Examples
They took a devious route to avoid the traffic jam.
The trail became devious, leading them far from the main road.
How It's Used
"They followed a devious path through the forest to avoid the patrols."
"The river followed a devious course through the mountains."
From Old French *devious*, from Latin *devius* meaning 'out of the way, straying', from *de* 'away' + *via* 'way'.
The term 'devious' has been used since the 14th century to describe someone or something that deviates from a straight course or is underhanded.
Memory tip
Think of a snake winding its way through the grass, a devious path to the goal. Using a hidden path to your goals.
Word Origin
"out of the way"