Conniving

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /kəˈnaɪvɪŋ/

Definitions

1. Characterized by the use of craftiness and deceit to achieve one’s own interests
2. Acting in a secret, dishonest manner to manipulate others for personal gain
3. Behaving with covert cunning to achieve selfish goals through underhanded methods

Etymology: Latin "connivere" meant to close the eyes or blink, and it is thought to describe two people in a scheme exchanging winks. The Latin verb was later used for overlooking a wrong, so turning a blind eye became the core sense. English took the word from French "conniver," which carried the same idea of ignoring wrongdoing and so becoming complicit in it. The original picture is of the eyes narrowing rather than of any plotting itself. Over time the sense moved from passively looking away to actively working with others in secret. Someone who once merely tolerated a fraud came to be seen as helping arrange it. The adjective "conniving" describes a person who uses cunning and deceit to get what they want, and its literal root is still visible in the image of a sly wink passed between conspirators.

Synonyms: scheming, manipulating, plotting, cunning, devious

Antonyms: honest, open, forthright, straightforward, trustworthy