Guile
/ɡaɪl/noun
Sly or cunning intelligence; deceitful cunning.
Did you know?The word 'guile' is linked to Old High German words meaning 'to deceive', highlighting humanity's long fascination with cunning and trickery throughout history.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weid-
“to see, to know, implying awareness and cunning in manipulation.”
Old High German
OHG
wīla
“slyness or deceit, emphasizing cleverness used for trickery.”
Middle English
ME
gile
“deception or trickery, often used in the context of betrayal.”
Modern English
English
guile
“sly or cunning intelligence, particularly in a deceptive manner.”