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 …

DEVIOUS definition: 1. Devious people or plans and methods are dishonest, often in a complicated way, but often also…. Learn more.

DEVIOUS definition: departing from the most direct way; circuitous; indirect. See examples of devious used in a sentence.

Define devious. devious synonyms, devious pronunciation, devious translation, English dictionary definition of devious. adj. 1. Not straightforward; shifty: a devious character. 2. Departing from …

Definition of devious adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Oct 12, 2025 · devious (comparative more devious, superlative most devious) Cunning or deceiving, not straightforward or honest, not frank.

If you describe someone as devious you do not like them because you think they are dishonest and like to keep things secret, often in a complicated way.

devious, adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

de•vi•ous (dē′ vē əs), adj. departing from the most direct way; circuitous; indirect: a devious course. without definite course; vagrant: a devious current. departing from the proper or …

The company was accused of using devious [= dishonest, deceptive] methods/ways to get the contract. He took us by a devious route to the center of the city.