devious character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devious character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is deceitful or dishonest in their actions or intentions. Example: "The protagonist in the novel was a devious character, always plotting against his rivals to gain power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The story... is telling us," one devious character says, late in the book.

The New York Times - Books

Short but a devious character who longs for Shekhar with her charm and beauty.

Wikipedia

In an emergency use a lead rope back to front, clip on tie ring, tie knot on to head collar, to foil such a devious character's plans!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Brecht put a great deal of himself into these devious characters; he may well not have been a trustworthy or noble man.

The Guardian

I do like playing slightly more devious characters.

BBC

Scholars have often been vexed by the crude popular interpretations of Machiavelli's work but his supposed ethos has taken on a glorious life of its own in the form of a slew of splendidly devious characters.

BBC

to line-drawing cartoons containing spastic images of wizards, devils, and devious characters, Devin includes a common thread of the slightly menacing and off-kilter in his work.

Vice

According to GameSpot's guide by Matthew Rorie, Ayane is "one of the more devious characters" of the game, "capable of devastating speed and some ingenious little fake-out animations," but she requires "a lot more practice than is apparent at first glance".

Wikipedia

I am so glad that Ana Ortiz is back on television and I feel like her Devious Maids character may even have a few nods to her former Ugly Betty character Hilda.

Huffington Post

In that film and its sequels, he exuded menace as the devious title character.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Was it difficult to inhabit the mind of such a devious, misogynist character?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting a narrative, use "devious character" to clearly establish a figure known for cunning and deceit, ensuring the audience understands their untrustworthy nature and motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "devious character" to describe someone who is simply mischievous or playful. "Devious" implies a calculated intent to deceive or harm, not just harmless pranks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devious character" functions as a noun phrase where "devious" is an adjective modifying the noun "character". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and functions to describe a person known for cunning and deceitful behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

34%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devious character" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone known for their cunning and deceitful behavior. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news, media, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral register. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates a person's propensity for dishonesty and underhanded tactics. When writing, ensure that the use of "devious character" accurately reflects a calculated intent to deceive, differentiating it from mere mischievousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duplicitous character

Replaces "devious" with "duplicitous", emphasizing the deceitful nature.

cunning individual

Replaces the adjective "devious" with "cunning" and the noun "character" with "individual".

scheming personality

Uses "scheming" to describe the character's nature, implying a tendency to plot.

sly individual

Substitutes "devious" with "sly", emphasizing the secretive and underhanded nature.

treacherous figure

Replaces "character" with "figure" and "devious" with "treacherous", denoting betrayal and deceit.

manipulative person

Highlights the manipulative aspect of the character, indicating control and influence over others.

conniving personality

Uses "conniving" to describe a person who is secretly plotting something.

crafty sort

Uses "crafty" instead of "devious", suggesting cleverness and skill in deception.

untrustworthy individual

Focuses on the lack of trustworthiness associated with a devious person.

insidious presence

Shifts from character trait to the impact of their presence emphasizing a subtle and harmful influence.

FAQs

How can I use "devious character" in a sentence?

You can use "devious character" to describe a person known for their deceitful and cunning nature. For example: "The novel's antagonist was a "devious character", always scheming to gain an advantage."

What are some alternatives to "devious character"?

Alternatives include "cunning individual", "scheming personality", or "sly individual", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes a "devious character" from a "villain"?

While a villain is overtly evil, a "devious character" may be more subtle in their wrongdoing. Deviousness implies cunning and indirect methods, whereas villainy often involves more direct acts of aggression or malice.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as a "devious character" in professional settings?

It depends on the context. Describing someone as a "devious character" is generally negative and could be considered accusatory. Use this phrase with caution and only when there is clear evidence of deceitful behavior. Using alternatives like "manipulative person" may soften it.