Definitions
- Describing someone who is cunning or deceitful in a secretive way. - Referring to behavior that is sneaky or underhanded. - Talking about someone who is clever at concealing their true intentions or motives.
- Describing someone who is skilled at deception or trickery. - Referring to behavior that is crafty or cunning. - Talking about someone who is shrewd or astute in achieving their goals.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe someone who is cunning or deceitful.
- 2Both words suggest a level of intelligence or skill in deception.
- 3Both words can be used to describe behavior that is sneaky or underhanded.
What is the difference?
- 1Connotation: Sly has a negative connotation, suggesting someone who is untrustworthy or dishonest, while wily can have a more neutral or even positive connotation, suggesting someone who is clever or resourceful.
- 2Intensity: Wily suggests a higher level of cunning or skill in deception than sly.
- 3Usage: Sly is more commonly used in everyday language, while wily is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
- 4Associations: Sly is often associated with animals such as foxes or snakes, while wily is more commonly associated with people.
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Remember this!
Sly and wily are synonyms that both describe someone who is cunning or deceitful. However, sly has a more negative connotation and is more commonly used in everyday language, while wily suggests a higher level of skill in deception and may be considered more formal or literary.
