Pronunciations (2)
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/ˈdiː.vi.əs/
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ˈdiːvi.əs
Adjective
Cunning or deceiving, not straightforward or honest, not frank.
Roundabout, circuitous, deviating from the direct or ordinary route.
Usage- Archaic
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The wandering Arab never sets his tent Within her walls; the Shepherd eyes afar Her evil towers, and devious drives his flock.
More examples (1)
Keeping close in to the shore, they discovered, after two hours run, a fresh stream which burst in a cascade from the mountains, and swept its devious course through the jungle, until it poured its tribute into the waters of the Strait.
We went down accordingly into the waste, and began to make our toilsome and devious travel towards the eastern verge.
More examples (1)
On the second day, a sail drew near, nearer, and picked me up at last. It was the devious-cruising Rachel, that in her retracing search after her missing children, only found another orphan.
Adjective
indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading
- Synonyms
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used devious means to achieve success
gave oblique answers to direct questions
More examples (1)
oblique political maneuvers
characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive
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a devious character
shifty eyes
deviating from a straight course
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a scenic but devious route
a long and circuitous journey by train and boat
More examples (1)
a roundabout route avoided rush-hour traffic