cunning
UK[ˈkʌnɪŋ]US[ˈkʌnɪŋ]
adj
having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.
adj
ingenious; clever.
n
skill in achieving one's ends by deceit.
Etymology
the word 'cunning' originates from the old english verb 'cunnan', meaning 'to know' or 'to be able'. this verb is part of a common germanic root, shared with old high german 'kunnan' and old norse 'kunna'. the semantic shift from 'knowing' to 'skillful deceit' began in the middle english period, where 'cunning' evolved to describe knowledge used for clever, often crafty, purposes. this evolution reflects a cultural association where specialized knowledge or skill could be applied in a shrewd, and sometimes morally ambiguous, manner to achieve an advantage.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is derived from the present participle of the middle english verb 'cunnen', meaning 'to know', which itself comes from old english 'cunnan'.
Examples
he was as cunning as a fox, always finding a way to get what he wanted.
she used cunning tactics to outmaneuver her opponents in the negotiation.
the plan was simple but required a great deal of cunning to execute successfully.