deviousness
|de-vi-ous-ness|
🇺🇸
/ˈdiː.vi.əs.nəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈdiːvɪ.əs.nəs/
off the straight path (indirectness/dishonesty)
Etymology
'devious' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'devius' (from the prefix 'de-' + 'via'), where 'de-' meant 'off' and 'via' meant 'way, road'.
'devious' changed from the Latin word 'devius' (meaning 'off the road') into Late Latin/Medieval usage and then into Early Modern English as 'devious'; the noun 'deviousness' was formed in English by adding the suffix '-ness' to 'devious'.
Initially it meant 'off the way' or 'out of the road' (a literal sense), but over time it evolved into the current sense of 'indirect, roundabout, or dishonest' behavior.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being deceitful or underhanded; willingness to use dishonest or indirect methods to achieve aims.
The committee uncovered the candidate's deviousness in manipulating the vote.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
the quality of being indirect or roundabout in approach or expression; avoidance of straightforwardness.
Her deviousness in answering the question made the audience suspicious.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/19 19:44