YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

devious

Adjective

IPA /ˈdiːviəs/

Understand it. Say it. Use it.

UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

Using dishonest or indirect methods to get what you want.

SAY IT ALOUD

Pronunciation

devious/ˈdiːviəs/

PICTURE THE IDEA

See the meaning

Compare

An honest, straightforward explanation
A concealed plan to mislead someone

A devious approach uses indirect or dishonest methods to achieve an aim.

SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH

Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

The story's devious villain tricks his neighbours into trusting him.
The essay examines the character's devious plan to claim another person's work.

MAKE IT STICK

Quick word quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the word?

Complete the example using the word from this lesson.

The story's ________ villain tricks his neighbours into trusting him.

Show the answer

devious — Using dishonest or indirect methods to get what you want.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “devious” about your own life.

Your sentence (optional)

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Using dishonest or indirect methods to get what you want.

Compare: The story's devious villain tricks his neighbours into trusting him.

Check the spelling and how the word fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

Word origin

From Latin devius, formed from de-, away, and via, way.

Did you know?

Devious plan, devious means and devious tactics describe underhand methods.

Explore related words

Open a word’s lesson when available, or explore entries that use the related term.

Make the word your own

Say the word aloud and read an example sentence.
Write a new sentence about something familiar to you.
Cover the meaning and try explaining the word in your own words.

Continue with the app’s practice check, then try a sentence of your own to mark this word complete.

Practise this word in the app

Completion and saved words stay in this browser on this device.