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The "Lost" History of Devious
If you think someone devious has lost their way, you're right, etymologically speaking—the word derives from the Latin adjective devius, itself formed from the prefix de- ("from" or "away") and the noun via ("way"). When devious was first used in the 16th century, it implied a literal wandering off the way, suggesting something that meandered or had no fixed course (as in "a devious route" or "devious breezes"). Relatively quickly, however, the word came to describe someone or something that had left the right path metaphorically rather than literally, or to describe deceitful rather than straightforward behavior.
Examples of devious in a Sentence
Allison Degrushe, EW.com, 30 May 2025
The better chance of dealing with the matter would be to try and instill in the AGI principles and practices that acknowledge the devious acts of humankind and aim for having the AGI opt to not employ those acts.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Her real reason is revealed: to avenge her father's death, by taking vengeance on the Grayson family, who is led by the devious Victoria (Madeleine Stowe).
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
Richard Armitage is unforgettable as the devious Nick, and his narration will, at points, make the hair on the back of your neck tingle.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devious
Cite this Entry
“Devious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devious. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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devious
adjective
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