Guileful

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈɡaɪl.fʊl/

Definitions

1. Full of guile; deceitful, cunning, or crafty.
2. Characterized by skillful deception or sly intelligence.

Usage Examples

• The guileful politician maneuvered his way into power with charm and deception.
• Her guileful nature allowed her to escape difficult situations unscathed.
• They admired his guileful strategy, even though it was morally questionable.

Etymology

Derived from "guile" (Old French "guile," from Old Norse "vél," meaning trickery or deception) + suffix "-ful," meaning full of.

Synonyms

• Deceptive
• Cunning
• Tricky
• Crafty
• Sly

Antonyms

• Honest
• Sincere
• Frank
• Truthful

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• US: /ˈɡaɪl.fʊl/
• UK: /ˈɡaɪl.fʊl/
• Australia: /ˈɡaɪl.fʊl/

Historical Usage

The term "guileful" has been used in literature to describe cunning individuals, often in fables, political discourse, and psychological studies. It has appeared in historical contexts to depict both heroes and villains who relied on intelligence and deception.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, being guileful is seen as a negative trait associated with dishonesty, while in others, it is considered a sign of intelligence and strategic thinking. Many historical leaders and tacticians have been described as guileful, sometimes with admiration.

More Information

Guileful behavior is often discussed in moral philosophy, psychology, and literature. It raises questions about whether deception, when used skillfully, is always unethical or if it can be justified under certain circumstances, such as self-preservation or strategy in warfare and negotiations.