Langimage
English

conniving

|con/niv/ing|

C1

/kəˈnaɪvɪŋ/

(connive)

scheming secretly

Base FormNoun
conniveconniver
Etymology
Etymology Information

'connive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'connivere,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'nivere' meant 'to wink.'

Historical Evolution

'connivere' transformed into the French word 'conniver,' and eventually became the modern English word 'connive' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to wink together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to secretly cooperate in wrongdoing.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

secretly involved in wrongdoing or scheming.

She was accused of being a conniving partner in the fraud.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41