different between devious vs rambling

English

Etymology

1590s, "out of the common or direct way," from Latin devius "out of the way, remote, off the main road," from de via; from de "off" (see de-) + via "way, road" (see via). Compare deviate. Originally in the Latin literal sense; the figurative sense of "deceitful" is first recorded 1630s. Related: Deviously; deviousness. Figurative senses of the Latin word were "retired, sequestered, wandering in the byways, foolish, inconsistent."

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?di?vi.?s/

  Rhymes: -i?vi?s

Adjective

devious (comparative more devious, superlative most devious)

1. cunning or deceiving, not straightforward or honest, not frank
2. roundabout, circuitous, deviating from the direct or ordinary route
   • 1801, Robert Southey, Thalaba the Destroyer:

     The wandering Arab never sets his tent
     Within her walls; the Shepherd eyes afar
     Her evil towers, and devious drives his flock.

   • 1839, Frederick Marryat, The Phantom Ship:

     Keeping close in to the shore, they discovered, after two hours run, a fresh stream which burst in a cascade from the mountains, and swept its devious course through the jungle, until it poured its tribute into the waters of the Strait.

Translations

English

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation, US) IPA^(key): /??æm.bl??/

Verb

rambling

1. present participle of ramble

Adjective

rambling

1. Of a speech: meandering, long and digressing.
2. Confused and irregular; awkward.

Synonyms

• (digressing): desultory

Translations

Noun

rambling (plural ramblings)

1. A long meandering talk with no specific topic or direction.
   • 1941, Harold Sinclair, Years of Illusion (page 145)

     […] listening with great interest to Martha's ramblings about "The War."

2. A gentle hike.

Derived terms

• rambling rose

Translations

Anagrams

• marbling