devious Definition
de·vi·ous (dē′vē əs)
adjective
- not in a straight path; roundabout; winding
- deviating from the proper or usual course; going astray
- not straightforward or frank; deceiving
Etymology: L devius < de-, off, from + via, road: see via
devious Related Forms
de′·vi·ously adverb
de′·vi·ous·ness noun
devious Synonyms
devious
modif.
Indirect
circuitous, roundable, tortuous, evasive; see indirect.Crafty
foxy, insidious, shrewd, underhanded; see dishonest 1, sly 1.
devious Usage Examples
Adjective complement with noun phrase
have: Do you stand against them, or do you have something more devious in mind?
Modifies a noun
- trick: Such are the devious tricks by which the European Commission gets its way.
- tactic: A spokesperson for Jubilee Campaign, says, " These devious tactics to convert Christians to Islam are being used by Muslim extremists.
- plot: Are you a fan of murder mystery, mayhem and dark, devious plots?
- creature: These devious creatures gleefully toss spare parts in where they will most confuse us.
- route: We were allowed to take anything useful for flood relief, the lorries having to take devious routes to avoid the flooded roads.
- mind: Martha, too, is not without a devious mind of her own.
Modifying Another Word
- very: They are very devious people, " said DI Sheldon.
- extremely: However even this is not his strongest ability - Mandala is very smart and extremely devious, and that is his greatest strength.
- rather: Reg at Rickmansworth looks at the current situation and suggests a few rather devious ploys you might adopt to get the money.
- too: If people are too devious about it, that's when there's a bit of a problem.
- also: Lenin is presented as a tough, determined, complex, highly-intelligent but also devious person.
- truly: This game gives the truly devious pupil a chance to shine.
Used with adjective complement
Browse dictionary entries near devious
- ‹ devilwood
- ‹ deviltry
- ‹ devilry
- ‹ devilment
- ‹ devilish
- ‹ devilfish
- ‹ devil's walking-stick
- ‹ devil's tattoo
- ‹ devil's paintbrush
- ‹ Devil's Island
- devisal ›
- devise ›
- devisee ›
- devisor ›
- devitalize ›
- devitrify ›
- devoice ›
- devoid ›
- devoir ›
- devolution ›

