How Do You Spell KNAVISHNESS?
Pronunciation: [kˈe͡ɪ nˈavɪʃnəs] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [kˈe͡ɪ nˈavɪʃnəs] (IPA)
Knavishness is a noun that refers to the quality, behavior, or characteristic of being knavish. It is derived from the word "knavish," which describes someone who is deceitful, cunning, and untrustworthy, often resorting to dishonest and mischievous practices to achieve personal gain or achieve their own motives.
The term knavishness implies a deliberate intention to deceive or trick others for personal benefit. It suggests a tendency to engage in deceitful behavior, lying, cheating, and manipulation. Individuals exhibiting knavishness often lack moral integrity and exploit others for their own advantage. Knavishness can be associated with various forms of fraud, trickery, and dishonest manipulation of people or situations.
Someone demonstrating knavishness is likely to be crafty and sly, skillfully disguising their true intentions with a veneer of falseness. They may employ misleading statements, evasive tactics, or manipulation to achieve their objectives, often at the expense of others' trust or well-being.
Knavishness can also be applied to actions, plans, or schemes that are treacherous, cunning, or deceitful. It indicates a deliberate intent to deceive or swindle, often under the disguise of charm or friendliness. The concept of knavishness highlights a lack of honesty, fairness, and ethical behavior, emphasizing a malicious intent to exploit others for personal gain.
Dishonesty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "knavishness" derives from the root word "knavish".
The etymology of "knavish" can be traced back to Middle English, where it was spelled as "knavissh" and meant "dishonest" or "untrustworthy". It originated from the Middle English term "knave", which referred to a boy or a servant. Over time, "knave" started to be associated with deceitful or dishonest behavior, leading to the development of "knavish" as an adjective describing those traits.
The suffix "-ness" added to "knavish" creates "knavishness", turning the adjective into a noun form that denotes the state or quality of being knavish. Thus, "knavishness" refers to the deceitful or dishonest behavior characterized by knavish individuals.
