slyness

/ˈslaɪnəs/ (bre, ipa) · [slˈaɪnəs] /ˈslaɪnəs/ (ame, ipa)

slyness — noun

1. the habit of using clever, hidden methods to trick people or gain an advantage f

1.名詞C1
釋義

the habit of using clever, hidden methods to trick people or gain an advantage for yourself

例句

The salesman used slyness to hide extra fees in the contract.

use slyness to + verb for dishonest advantage

Fatima noticed her classmate's slyness in blaming the mess on others.

同義詞
  • cunning

    often stresses sharp planning as much as dishonesty

  • craftiness

    emphasises skill in finding underhand ways around a problem

  • sneakiness

    more informal and more focused on secret behaviour

反義詞
  • honesty

    open, truthful behaviour rather than hidden trickery

  • openness

    suggests saying things directly instead of hiding intentions

文法句型

uncountable noun

用法筆記

Usually disapproving and often tied to getting some personal advantage. Common with verbs like use, notice, dislike, and admire when people are judging someone's tactics.

2. a smile, tone, or manner that hints you are quietly keeping private knowledge fr

2.名詞C1
釋義

a smile, tone, or manner that hints you are quietly keeping private knowledge from the people around you

例句

Mina answered with slyness, as if the surprise was already planned.

with slyness — speaking as if you know a secret

The host's slyness made the children suspect he had hidden the tickets.

同義詞
  • secretiveness

    broader and often more serious, without the playful facial-expression tone

  • mischievousness

    more playful and action-focused, not necessarily about hidden knowledge

  • knowingness

    stresses the feeling that someone understands more than they say

反義詞
  • innocence

    suggests no hidden knowledge or teasing intent

  • directness

    plain, open behaviour without a hinting tone

文法句型

uncountable noun

用法筆記

Usually linked to a smile, look, voice, or manner. Unlike Sense 1, this sense can sound playful or amused rather than clearly dishonest.