Pronunciation: /ˈdiːviəs/

Definitions of devious

adjective showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals

Example Sentences

A1 The devious fox tried to outsmart the farmer.

A2 She came up with a devious plan to get revenge on her ex-boyfriend.

B1 The devious politician promised one thing but did another.

B2 The devious detective uncovered the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.

C1 His devious tactics in business helped him climb the corporate ladder quickly.

C2 The devious mastermind behind the elaborate heist was finally caught by the authorities.

Examples of devious in a Sentence

formal The devious plan was carefully crafted to deceive the public.

informal He's always coming up with devious ways to get what he wants.

slang She's a real devious one, watch out for her.

figurative The devious path led him to trouble.

Grammatical Forms of devious

past tense

devised

plural

deviouses

comparative

more devious

superlative

most devious

present tense

deceives

future tense

will deceive

perfect tense

has deceived

continuous tense

is deceiving

singular

devious

positive degree

devious

infinitive

to deceive

gerund

deceiving

participle

deceived

Origin and Evolution of devious

First Known Use: 0015 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'devious' originated from the Latin word 'devius' which means 'out of the way' or 'off the main road'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'devious' has evolved to also include connotations of being deceitful or cunning in addition to its original meaning of being off the main path.