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DEVIOUS

Pronunciation (US):

Dictionary entry overview: What does devious mean?

• DEVIOUS (adjective)
The adjective DEVIOUS has 3 senses:

1. indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading
2. characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive
3. deviating from a straight course

Familiarity information: DEVIOUS used as an adjective is uncommon.

Dictionary entry details

• DEVIOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

devious ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading

Synonyms:

devious; oblique

Context examples:

used devious means to achieve success / gave oblique answers to direct questions / oblique political maneuvers

Similar:

indirect (extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action)

Sense 2

devious ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive

Synonyms:

shifty; devious

Context examples:

a devious character / shifty eyes

Similar:

untrustworthy; untrusty (not worthy of trust or belief)

Sense 3

devious ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Deviating from a straight course

Synonyms:

circuitous; roundabout; devious

Context examples:

a scenic but devious route / a long and circuitous journey by train and boat / a roundabout route avoided rush-hour traffic

Similar:

indirect (not direct in spatial dimension; not leading by a straight line or course to a destination)

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