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connive

Connive (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

verb

IPA:

/kəˈnʌɪv/

What does connive mean?

To secretly cooperate or conspire with others to do something that is illegal or unethical.
"The corrupt officials connive to embezzle public funds."

Detailed Meaning of Connive

It can also refer to the act of knowingly overlooking or ignoring something that is wrong or illegal. The term is often used to describe behavior that is dishonest, sneaky, or underhanded. When someone is said to be conniving, they are typically seen as untrustworthy and manipulative. Conniving can be used in both positive and negative contexts, but it is most often used to describe behavior that is harmful or deceitful. In some cases, conniving can even be illegal, depending on the nature of the activity involved.

Example Sentences for Connive

1. The two siblings connive to pull pranks on their parents.
2. He accused his coworkers of conniving to sabotage his project.
3. The spies connive to overthrow the government.
4. The cunning businessman connives to manipulate the market.
5. She suspects her neighbors connive to steal her mail.
6. The rivals connive to undermine each other's success.

Origin and Etymology of Connive

The verb 'connive' has an etymology that can be traced back to Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'connivere,' which combines 'com,' meaning 'together,' and 'nictare,' meaning 'to wink.' In its original sense, 'connivere' meant to wink together, suggesting a conspiratorial act of closing one's eyes in secret agreement. Over time, this Latin term evolved into the English word 'connive,' which came to describe the act of secretly cooperating or conspiring with others to do something that is illegal or unethical. The etymology of 'connive' underscores the idea of covert collaboration or collusion, often involving a shared understanding that is deliberately kept hidden from others.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb connive:

ignore

overlook

neglect

scheme

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Connive

1. The politicians connive to pass controversial legislation.
2. The thieves connive to plan a heist on the jewelry store.
3. The scheming character in the novel connives to gain power.
4. They believe that certain individuals within the organization connive to cover up their mistakes.
5. The conspirators connive to assassinate the president.
6. The cunning fox connives to steal food from the farmer's garden.
7. The con artists connive to deceive innocent people.
8. The spies connive to leak classified information to the enemy.
9. The corrupt officers connive to protect each other from investigation.
10. The siblings connive to keep their secret clubhouse hidden from their parents.
11. The business partners connive to manipulate stock prices.
12. The ambitious employee connives to undermine her colleagues to climb the corporate ladder.
13. The villains in the movie connive to take control of the city.
14. The employee connived with a competitor to steal company secrets.