noun
guile
gyl
Guile (noun) means Clever, often sly or dishonest, cunning used to deceive or manipulate. Example: “He got the deal done through sheer guile rather than honest negotiation.”
noun
1
Clever, often sly or dishonest, cunning used to deceive or manipulate.
"He got the deal done through sheer guile rather than honest negotiation."
"She saw through his guile immediately."
How to use guile
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCrafty, deceptive cleverness — getting your way through trickery rather than force.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "guilt," which is about responsibility for wrongdoing, not cunning.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
use guile
full of guile
without guile
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Word forms
- Plural
- guiles
- Third person singular
- guiles
- Past tense
- guiled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He got the deal done through sheer _____ rather than honest negotiation.
Etymology
From Old French guile ("deception"), ultimately from a Frankish word for "ruse," related to "wile."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for guile
See all rhymes for guile →Frequently asked questions
What does “guile” mean?
The word “guile” means clever, often sly or dishonest, cunning used to deceive or manipulate. In plain terms, crafty, deceptive cleverness — getting your way through trickery rather than force.
How do you pronounce “guile”?
“Guile” is pronounced gyl (/ɡaɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “guile” in a sentence?
Here is “guile” used in a sentence: “He got the deal done through sheer guile rather than honest negotiation.”
What part of speech is “guile”?
“Guile” is a noun.
Where does the word “guile” come from?
The word “guile” comes from Old French. From Old French guile ("deception"), ultimately from a Frankish word for "ruse," related to "wile.".
