Devious
/ˈdiːviəs/noun
Showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.
Did you know?The roots of 'devious' are steeped in the idea of straying from the straight path, often invoked in ancient rituals to signify treachery.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
devius
“Out of the way, straying from the path.”
Old French
Old French
devius
“Turned aside, having strayed.”
Middle English
Middle English
devious
“Wandering off the correct path, metaphorically suggesting dishonesty.”
Modern English
English
devious
“Characterized by deception and underhandedness.”