guile
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.”
How to use guile
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCrafty, deceptive cleverness — getting your way through trickery rather than force.
Don't confuse with "guilt," which is about responsibility for wrongdoing, not cunning.
Word forms
guiled past tense, guiles plural, Guiles plural, guiles singular
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
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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.".