What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ferrety
Example
The detective had a ferrety look about him, with his sharp nose and piercing eyes. [ferrety: adjective]
Example
She had a ferrety determination to uncover the truth, no matter what it took. [ferrety: adjective]
Example
The dog's ferrety sense of smell led him straight to the hidden treats. [ferrety: adjective]
cunning
Example
The fox was known for its cunning ability to outsmart its prey. [cunning: noun]
Example
He used his cunning wit to charm his way out of trouble. [cunning: adjective]
Example
The plan was cunningly devised to catch the thief in the act. [cunningly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cunning is more commonly used than ferrety in everyday language. Cunning is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ferrety is less common and refers to a more specific set of characteristics.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ferrety and cunning?
While ferrety is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, cunning can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.