Cunning meaning and its usage
Cunning meaning and its usage, Parts of speech
The word "cunning" in English is versatile and functions as three parts of speech: noun, adjective, and (rarely) adverb.
1. Adjective (most common usage)
Meaning:
-
Clever or skillful, especially in a deceptive or tricky way.
-
Could also mean ingenious or resourceful, depending on tone/context.
Examples:
-
"She came up with a cunning plan to escape."
-
"The fox is known for being cunning."
2. Noun
Meaning:
-
The ability to achieve things through cleverness or deceit.
Examples:
-
"He used his cunning to win the game."
-
"It took more than brute strength; it took cunning."
3. Adverb (archaic or dialectal — very rare today)
Form: cunning (used adverbially, especially in older dialects, e.g., Scottish/Irish English)
Meaning:
-
In a clever or skillful way.
Example (archaic/dialect):
-
"He played that tune right cunning."
Note: In modern English, this use has mostly been replaced by "cunningly."
Related Forms:
| Word | Part of Speech | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cunning | Adjective | "A cunning thief" |
| Cunning | Noun | "His cunning saved them." |
| Cunningly | Adverb | "She smiled cunningly." |
Summary:
| Part of Speech | Commonality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective | Very common | Describes clever/deceptive behavior |
| Noun | Common | Refers to the quality or trait itself |
| Adverb (rare) | Archaic | Mostly replaced by "cunningly" |
Let me know if you'd like comparisons with similar words like clever, sly, or wily.
