knave
Knave (noun) means a dishonest or deceitful man. Example: “The play's villain is a scheming knave who betrays his own brother.”
How to use knave
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned word for a dishonest, scheming man — or, in cards, another name for the jack.
Sounds archaic or literary in modern English outside of card games.
Word forms
knaves plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The play's villain is a scheming _____ who betrays his own brother.
Etymology
From Old English cnafa, originally just meaning "boy" or "male servant." Over the centuries the word's meaning darkened from a harmless term for a young servant into one for a dishonest, untrustworthy man.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for knave
See all rhymes for knave →Frequently asked questions
What does “knave” mean?
The word “knave” means a dishonest or deceitful man. In plain terms, an old-fashioned word for a dishonest, scheming man — or, in cards, another name for the jack.
How do you pronounce “knave”?
“Knave” is pronounced nayv (/neɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “knave” in a sentence?
Here is “knave” used in a sentence: “The play's villain is a scheming knave who betrays his own brother.”
What part of speech is “knave”?
“Knave” is a noun.
Where does the word “knave” come from?
The word “knave” comes from Old English. From Old English cnafa, originally just meaning "boy" or "male servant." Over the centuries the word's meaning darkened from a harmless term for a young servant into one for a dishonest, untrustworthy man.
How many meanings does “knave” have?
“Knave” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dishonest or deceitful man.