Synonyms for cannily

Grammar : Adv

Spell : kan-ee

Phonetic Transcription : ˈkæn i

Définition of cannily

Origin : 1630s, Scottish and northern English formation from can (v.1) in its sense of "know how to," + -y (2). "Knowing," hence, "careful." A doublet of cunning that flowed into distinct senses. Often used superciliously of Scots by their southern neighbors (and their American cousins).
The Canny Scot is so well known as scarcely to require description. He carries caution, cunning, and selfishness to excess. Deceitful when a purpose is to be accomplished, he is not habitually deceitful. One thing he never loses sight of--his own interest. But of his own interest he is not the most enlightened judge. ["The Natural History of Scotsmen," in "The Argosy," December 1865]
Related: Cannily; canniness.

As in selfishly : adv egotistically

Example sentences :

The doctor was called, and cannily solved the problem with a buttered shoe-horn.
Extract from : « Dear Enemy » by Jean Webster

Ive forgotten most of it, Cletus said, cannily dodging the trap.
Extract from : « Satan and the Comrades » by Ralph Bennitt

On one occasion only he cannily indemnified his narrative for this drawback.
Extract from : « The Cloister and the Hearth » by Charles Reade

To one who knows that neighbourhood the picture is cannily vivid.
Extract from : « Shandygaff » by Christopher Morley

"Some of 'em my people, too, Mas' John," he cannily observed.
Extract from : « Lady Baltimore » by Owen Wister

And he had the money—four millions and more, cannily saved from the crash that had ruined so many others.
Extract from : « The Escape of Mr. Trimm » by Irvin S. Cobb

When desire of news assailed her, she could easily conceal her personal resentments, cannily sacrificing small issues to great.
Extract from : « Tiverton Tales » by Alice Brown

McMurtrie had Scotch blood in his veins, and was cannily chary of offering unasked advice.
Extract from : « The Helpers » by Francis Lynde

Rhinoceroses conceal themselves most cannily, and have a deceitful habit of leaping from a nap into their swiftest stride.
Extract from : « The Land of Footprints » by Stewart Edward White

Cannily they remained behind him, receding, if he dared turn his head, with contemptuous ease.
Extract from : « Wilderness of Spring » by Edgar Pangborn

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