Clever vs. Cunning — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 13, 2024
Cleverness is associated with intelligence and inventiveness, useful for problem-solving. Cunning, on the other hand, implies shrewdness often with a deceptive or manipulative intent.
Difference Between Clever and Cunning
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Key Differences
Clever individuals are admired for their quick wit and ability to understand complex concepts, while cunning people are often seen with caution due to their skill in achieving goals through deceit or manipulation. Cleverness is celebrated for its positive impact and ingenuity, whereas cunning is viewed with suspicion for its potential to harm or deceive.
Cleverness often involves a bright and inventive approach to problem-solving, showing intelligence and creativity. On the other hand, cunning is more about using whatever means necessary, ethical or not, to achieve an end, often involving trickery or deceit.
In academic and professional settings, cleverness is highly valued for its contribution to innovation and effective solutions. Cunning, however, might be used in more strategic or competitive contexts where the end justifies the means, although it's not generally admired.
While cleverness is a trait that enhances collaboration and progress, cunning might lead to distrust and ethical dilemmas in personal and professional relationships.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Showing intelligence and creativity in solving problems.
Skilled in achieving goals through deceit or manipulation.
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Perception
Generally positive, associated with ingenuity.
Often negative, linked with trickery.
Application
Valued in academic and professional settings for innovation.
Used in strategic contexts, possibly with ethical concerns.
Social Impact
Promotes collaboration and progress.
Can lead to distrust and ethical dilemmas.
Key Trait
Intelligence and inventiveness.
Shrewdness and deceitfulness.
Compare with Definitions
Clever
Possessing or showing a quick-witted intelligence.
She devised a clever solution to the problem.
Cunning
Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.
His cunning plan secured the deal.
Clever
Able to invent or conceive something original or imaginative.
His clever invention revolutionized the industry.
Cunning
Skilled at influencing or controlling others to one's advantage.
She used cunning manipulation to ascend the corporate ladder.
Clever
Being able to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Her clever use of resources made the project a success.
Cunning
Employing a clever plan towards a specific end.
The general's cunning strategy led to victory.
Clever
Skillful at adjusting to new conditions.
She was clever enough to navigate the complexities of the situation.
Cunning
Prone to deceiving others as a means to an end.
His cunning deception was eventually uncovered.
Clever
Good at finding effective solutions to difficult questions.
His clever approach saved the day.
Cunning
Possessing sly or cunning intelligence.
With a bit of cunning guile, she avoided the confrontation.
Clever
Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent
How clever of him to think of this!
She was an extremely clever and studious young woman
Cunning
Marked by or given to artful subtlety and deceptiveness.
Clever
Healthy or well
I was up and about by this time though still not too clever
Cunning
Executed with or exhibiting ingenuity.
Clever
Mentally quick and original; bright
A clever student.
Cunning
Delicately pleasing; pretty or cute
A cunning pet.
Clever
Skilled at accomplishing things, especially with the hands
A clever carpenter.
Cunning
Skill in deception; guile.
Clever
Crafty; cunning
"a hard-working kid who rose from poverty, only to be duped by rich, clever bankers" (Jeff Goodell).
Cunning
Skill or adeptness in execution or performance; dexterity.
Clever
Exhibiting ingenuity or imagination; creative or artful
A clever experiment.
Cunning
Sly; crafty; clever in surreptitious behaviour.
Clever
Witty; amusing
An evening of clever repartee.
Cunning
(obsolete) Skillful, artful.
Clever
Characterized by cunning or shrewdness
Clever manipulation of public opinion.
Cunning
(obsolete) Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious.
Cunning work
Clever
New England Easily managed; docile
"Oxen must be pretty clever to be bossed around the way they are" (Dialect Notes).
Cunning
Cute, appealing.
Clever
Chiefly Southern US Good-natured; amiable.
Cunning
Practical knowledge or experience; aptitude in performance; skill, proficiency; dexterity.
Clever
Nimble with hands or body; skillful; adept.
Cunning
Practical skill employed in a secret or crafty manner; craft; artifice; skillful deceit; art or magic.
Clever
Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent.
Cunning
The disposition to employ one's skill in an artful manner; craftiness; guile; artifice; skill of being cunning, sly, conniving, or deceitful.
Clever
Mentally quick and resourceful.
A simple but clever trick to solve the problem.
Clever like a fox
Cunning
The natural wit or instincts of an animal.
The cunning of the fox or hare
Clever
Skilled at achieving what one wants, especially via unusual methods.
With a clever lawyer, she could easily be acquitted.
Cunning
(obsolete) Knowledge; learning; special knowledge (sometimes implying occult or magical knowledge).
Clever
Smart, intelligent, or witty; mentally quick or sharp.
Cunning
Knowing; skillful; dexterous.
"Tis beauty truly blent, whose red and whiteNature's own sweet and cunning hand laid on.
Esau was a cunning hunter.
Clever
(of objects or actions) Showing inventiveness or originality; witty.
Cunning
Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious; curious; as, cunning work.
Over them Arachne high did lift
Clever
Possessing magical abilities.
Cunning
Crafty; sly; artful; designing; deceitful.
They are resolved to be cunning; let others run the hazard of being sincere.
Clever
(obsolete) Fit; suitable; having propriety.
Cunning
Pretty or pleasing; as, a cunning little boy.
Clever
(obsolete) Well-shaped; handsome.
Cunning
Knowledge; art; skill; dexterity.
Let my right hand forget her cunning.
A carpenter's desertStands more in cunning than in power.
Clever
Good-natured; obliging.
Cunning
The faculty or act of using stratagem to accomplish a purpose; fraudulent skill or dexterity; deceit; craft.
Discourage cunning in a child; cunning is the ape of wisdom.
We take cunning for a sinister or crooked wisdom.
Clever
Fit and healthy; free from fatigue or illness.
Cunning
Shrewdness in deception;
As cunning as a fox
Clever
Possessing quickness of intellect, skill, dexterity, talent, or adroitness; expert.
Though there were many clever men in England during the latter half of the seventeenth century, there were only two great creative minds.
Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever.
Cunning
Shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
Clever
Showing skill or adroitness in the doer or former; as, a clever speech; a clever trick.
Cunning
Drafty artfulness (especially in deception)
Clever
Having fitness, propriety, or suitableness.
"T would sound more cleverTo me and to my heirs forever.
Cunning
Attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness;
A cute kid with pigtails
A cute little apartment
Cunning kittens
A cunning baby
Clever
Well-shaped; handsome.
Cunning
Marked by skill in deception;
Cunning men often pass for wise
Deep political machinations
A foxy scheme
A slick evasive answer
Sly as a fox
Tricky Dik
A wily old attorney
Clever
Good-natured; obliging.
Cunning
Showing inventiveness and skill;
A clever gadget
The cunning maneuvers leading to his success
An ingenious solution to the problem
Clever
Skillful (or showing skill) in adapting means to ends;
Cool prudence and sensitive selfishness along with quick perception of what is possible--these distinguish an adroit politician
Came up with a clever story
An ingenious press agent
An ingenious scheme
Clever
Showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others;
A cagey lawyer
Too clever to be sound
Clever
Mentally quick and resourceful;
An apt pupil
You are a clever man...you reason well and your wit is bold
Clever
Showing inventiveness and skill;
A clever gadget
The cunning maneuvers leading to his success
An ingenious solution to the problem
Common Curiosities
What defines a clever person?
A clever person is characterized by their quick-witted intelligence and ability to solve problems creatively.
Can cleverness be learned?
Yes, cleverness can be developed through education, experience, and practice in critical thinking.
Why is cleverness valued in society?
Cleverness is valued for its contribution to innovation, problem-solving, and progress.
How does cunning differ from intelligence?
Cunning involves using intelligence in a manipulative or deceitful way, whereas intelligence is broader, encompassing various mental abilities.
What is the main attribute of cunning?
The main attribute of cunning is the skillful use of deceit or manipulation to achieve goals.
How can you tell if someone is clever?
Someone who is clever often comes up with innovative solutions and understands complex concepts quickly.
How do clever and cunning strategies differ in problem-solving?
Clever strategies focus on innovative and ethical solutions, while cunning strategies may employ deceit or manipulation.
Can animals be cunning?
Yes, many animals exhibit cunning behavior, particularly in hunting or defense, by using deceptive tactics.
Is being cunning unethical?
Cunning can be considered unethical if it involves deceit or manipulation to harm others or gain unfair advantage.
Do clever people always succeed?
While cleverness is advantageous, success also depends on factors like effort, opportunity, and ethics.
Can cunning be a positive trait?
In some contexts, cunning can be seen as resourceful or strategic, although it's often viewed with caution.
How can one develop clever problem-solving skills?
Engaging in diverse learning experiences, practicing creative thinking, and challenging oneself with complex problems can enhance cleverness.
Is cunning more about innate talent or learned skill?
While some aspects of cunning may be innate, such as a natural inclination towards strategic thinking, many elements can be developed or refined through experience and learning.
Can a person be both clever and cunning?
Yes, it's possible for someone to possess both traits, using intelligence both constructively and manipulatively.
Is it better to be clever or cunning in business?
While cleverness is generally more admired for ethical innovation, some may argue that a degree of cunning is necessary in competitive business environments.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
