artful
artful
(ɑːʳtfʊl )1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
If you describe someone as artful, you mean that they are clever and skilful at achieving what they want, especially by deceiving people.
...the smiles and artifices of a subtle artful woman.
Some politicians have realised that there are more artful ways of subduing people than shooting or jailing them.
artfully graded adverb [ADVERB before verb]
He artfully inveigled the Prime Minister into committing his government to the venture.
2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
If you use artful to describe the way someone has done or arranged something, you approve of it because it is clever or elegant.
[formal, approval]There is also an artful contrast of shapes.
Despite some artful editing, the anthology is a weak one.
artfully graded adverb [ADVERB with verb]
...artfully arranged flowers.
