Cunning vs. Intelligent: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Cunning" implies shrewdness, often with deceit, while "intelligent" denotes the ability to acquire, understand, and apply knowledge.
Difference Between Cunning and Intelligent
"Cunning" primarily suggests a type of craftiness or cleverness, often accompanied by an intention to deceive. While it denotes a type of savvy, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying trickery or slyness. In contrast, "intelligent" lacks this underhanded implication and is generally perceived in a positive light.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
"Intelligent" is a term that focuses on the capacity to learn, reason, and understand. Individuals described as intelligent are seen as having a high cognitive ability, showcasing their capabilities across a variety of tasks. "Cunning," however, may not necessarily relate to a broad cognitive prowess, but rather to a niche skillset, especially in strategic deception.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
It's worth noting that a person can be both cunning and intelligent. Such an individual would not only have a high cognitive ability but might also be adept at maneuvering situations to their advantage, perhaps even at the expense of others. Still, being "intelligent" does not automatically make someone "cunning," and vice versa.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
A distinction also lies in the realm of morality. While "intelligent" is morally neutral and refers strictly to cognitive abilities, "cunning" tends to brush with the gray areas of right and wrong. For example, a cunning individual might outwit someone for personal gain, while an intelligent person might simply use their knowledge and reasoning capabilities without any ulterior motives.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Cunning vs. Intelligent Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Shrewdness with deceit
Ability to acquire and apply knowledge
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Cunning vs. Intelligent Definitions
◉Cunning
Skilled in achieving goals by deceit or evasion.
The fox is often depicted as a cunning animal in folklore.
Kaitlyn
Sep 30, 2023
◉Intelligent
Able to think and understand quickly and easily.
He's an intelligent reader, often diving deep into intricate topics.
Kaitlyn
Sep 30, 2023
◉Cunning
Displaying keen insight in a sly manner.
Her cunning plan ensured she always stayed one step ahead.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Intelligent
Having sound knowledge and good judgment.
Her intelligent decisions saved the company from bankruptcy.
Levi
Sep 30, 2023
◉Cunning
Clever with the intention to trick.
He devised a cunning trap for the thieves.
William
Sep 30, 2023
◉Intelligent
Having or showing a high ability to learn and understand.
She's intelligent and grasps complex subjects quickly.
William
Sep 30, 2023
◉Cunning
Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit.
The detective was too cunning for the criminal to evade.
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Sep 30, 2023
◉Intelligent
Being mentally sharp or bright.
He gave an intelligent answer that impressed everyone.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Intelligent
Having intelligence
Is there intelligent life elsewhere in the galaxy?.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Having a high degree of intelligence; mentally acute
an intelligent student.
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Showing sound judgment and rationality
an intelligent decision.
an intelligent solution to the problem.
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Appealing to the intellect; intellectual
a film with witty and intelligent dialogue.
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Well thought-out, well considered.
The engineer had a very intelligent design proposal for the new car.
The general devised an intelligent strategy for the southern campaign.
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Characterized by thoughtful interaction.
My girlfriend and I had an intelligent conversation.
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May 03, 2023
◉Cunning
(obsolete) Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious.
cunning work
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Having at least a similar level of brain power to humankind.
The hunt for intelligent life.
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Having an environment-sensing automatically-invoked built-in computer capability.
an intelligent network or keyboard
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May 03, 2023
◉Cunning
Practical knowledge or experience; aptitude in performance; skill, proficiency; dexterity.
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Endowed with the faculty of understanding or reason; as, man is an intelligent being.
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May 03, 2023
◉Cunning
Practical skill employed in a secret or crafty manner; craft; artifice; skillful deceit; art or magic.
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Possessed of a high level of intelligence, education, or judgment; knowing; sensible; skilled; exhibiting high intelligence; as, an intelligent young man; an intelligent architect; an intelligent answer.
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May 03, 2023
◉Cunning
The disposition to employ one's skill in an artful manner; craftiness; guile; artifice; skill of being cunning, sly, conniving, or deceitful.
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Cognizant; aware; communicative.
Intelligent of seasons.
Which are to France the spies and speculationsIntelligent of our state.
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◉Cunning
The natural wit or instincts of an animal.
the cunning of the fox or hare
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree;
is there intelligent life in the universe?
an intelligent question
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May 03, 2023
◉Cunning
(obsolete) Knowledge; learning; special knowledge (sometimes implying occult or magical knowledge).
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
exercising or showing good judgment;
healthy scepticism
a healthy fear of rattlesnakes
the healthy attitude of French laws
healthy relations between labor and management
an intelligent solution
a sound approach to the problem
sound advice
no sound explanation for his decision
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May 03, 2023
◉Cunning
Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious; curious; as, cunning work.
Over them Arachne high did lift
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May 03, 2023
◉Cunning
Crafty; sly; artful; designing; deceitful.
They are resolved to be cunning; let others run the hazard of being sincere.
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May 03, 2023
◉Intelligent
Possessing the ability to reason and comprehend.
Dolphins are considered highly intelligent animals.
Lucas
Sep 30, 2023
◉Cunning
Knowledge; art; skill; dexterity.
Let my right hand forget her cunning.
A carpenter's desertStands more in cunning than in power.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
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May 03, 2023
◉Cunning
showing inventiveness and skill;
a clever gadget
the cunning maneuvers leading to his success
an ingenious solution to the problem
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cunning
Subtly skillful in strategy or manipulation.
She had a cunning way of getting what she wanted.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
Cunning vs. Intelligent Frequently Asked Questions
What does cunning primarily suggest?
Cunning implies craftiness, often with an intention to deceive.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
How is intelligent typically perceived?
Intelligent denotes the ability to learn, reason, and understand, and is generally seen positively.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is there a moral distinction between the two terms?
Yes, cunning can be morally ambiguous, while intelligent is a morally neutral term.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
How is intelligence usually measured?
Intelligence is often gauged by cognitive abilities, reasoning skills, and the capacity to learn.
Nolan
Sep 30, 2023
Are animals often described as cunning?
Yes, some animals like foxes or crows are often labeled as cunning due to their sly behaviors.
Elijah
Sep 30, 2023
Does cunning always imply deceit?
While cunning often involves deceit or trickery, it can also mean being skillfully strategic.
Olivia
Sep 30, 2023
Could cunning be seen as a form of intelligence?
While related, they differ; cunning is about strategic deception, whereas intelligence is about broad cognitive abilities.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Can someone be both cunning and intelligent?
Yes, an individual can possess both shrewdness and a high cognitive ability.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Which term is broader in application?
Intelligent has a broader application, referring to a range of cognitive abilities.
Olivia
Sep 30, 2023
Is it negative to describe someone as cunning?
Cunning can carry a negative connotation, implying slyness or deceit, but context is crucial.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
