What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crafty
Example
She was very crafty and could make anything from scratch. [crafty: adjective]
Example
He came up with a crafty solution to fix the broken chair. [crafty: adjective]
cunning
Example
The cunning fox was able to steal the chicken without being caught. [cunning: adjective]
Example
She used her cunning to get what she wanted from her boss. [cunning: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crafty is more commonly used in everyday language than cunning, especially in positive contexts. Cunning is less common and often has a negative connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between crafty and cunning?
Both crafty and cunning are informal words, but cunning is slightly more formal and can be used in more serious or literary contexts.
