adjective
Uncommon
crafty
KRAHF-tee
Crafty (adjective) means Clever in a sly or deceptive way; skilled at tricking others. Example: “The crafty fox slipped past the guard dogs unnoticed.”
adjective
1
Clever in a sly or deceptive way; skilled at tricking others.
"The crafty fox slipped past the guard dogs unnoticed."
"She used a crafty bit of negotiation to lower the price."
How to use crafty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClever in a scheming or sneaky way, not necessarily dishonest but often implying trickery.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "crafted" (made skillfully) — crafty describes a person's cunning, not an object.
Common pairings
crafty fox
crafty plan
crafty old man
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Word forms
- Comparative
- craftier
- Superlative
- craftiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ fox slipped past the guard dogs unnoticed.
Etymology
From Old English cræftig ("skilful, powerful"), from the same root as craft — the meaning gradually shifted from general skill to cunning.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for crafty
See all rhymes for crafty →Frequently asked questions
What does “crafty” mean?
The word “crafty” means clever in a sly or deceptive way; skilled at tricking others. In plain terms, clever in a scheming or sneaky way, not necessarily dishonest but often implying trickery.
How do you pronounce “crafty”?
“Crafty” is pronounced KRAHF-tee (/ˈkɹæfti/ in IPA).
How do you use “crafty” in a sentence?
Here is “crafty” used in a sentence: “The crafty fox slipped past the guard dogs unnoticed.”
What part of speech is “crafty”?
“Crafty” is an adjective.
Where does the word “crafty” come from?
The word “crafty” comes from Old English. From Old English cræftig ("skilful, powerful"), from the same root as craft — the meaning gradually shifted from general skill to cunning.
Is “crafty” a common word?
“Crafty” is an uncommon word in modern English.
