craftiness
/ˈkrɑːftinəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkræftinəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkraf-tē-nəs/ (ame, mw)
craftiness — noun
1. the quality of using clever but not completely honest methods to achieve what yo
the quality of using clever but not completely honest methods to achieve what you want, often in a way that is hard for other people to notice or stop
Kim's craftiness became clear when she secretly gathered support before the board meeting.
possessive + craftiness + verb pattern
Elena admired her aunt's craftiness in talking three shopkeepers into lowering their prices.
Kwame used his craftiness to trade a broken bicycle for a working scooter.
In the world of street food vending, craftiness often means knowing when to lower your prices.
- cunning
more negative than 'craftiness'; emphasises deception and manipulation rather than cleverness
- shrewdness
more positive; describes practical intelligence without the dishonest implication
- guile
more formal, often implies planned or strategic deception in a long-term scheme
- honesty
the direct opposite — openness instead of clever concealment
- straightforwardness
behaviour that is direct and without any hidden tricks
文法句型
possessive + craftiness
craftiness + in + V-ing
用法筆記
Often carries a mildly negative or disapproving tone, though it can also express grudging admiration for the effectiveness of someone's methods.