Cunning vs Opportunistic
Cunning
negative emotionCunning is defined as the quality of being adept in achieving one’s goals through deceit or cleverness, often characterized by a sense of craftiness and manipulation.
Opportunistic
negative emotionOpportunistic refers to a tendency to take advantage of situations or circumstances for personal gain, often without regard for ethical considerations or the impact on others. It involves a willingness to capitalize on opportunities that may arise, regardless of the potential consequences for oneself or others.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Cunning | Opportunistic |
|---|---|---|
| Sentiment | negative | negative |
| Type | emotion | emotion |
| Nature | Cunning tends to be more destructive, as it often involves deceit that can undermine trust and integrity in relationship... | Opportunistic behavior often tends to be destructive, as it prioritizes personal gain over ethical considerations and th... |
Cunning's Perspective
Cunning is frequently confused with cleverness; however, while both involve intelligence and strategic thinking, cleverness is generally viewed more positively and is associated with problem-solving and creativity. Cunning, on the other hand, often implies a moral ambiguity and a willingness to deceive, distinguishing it from the benign connotations of cleverness.
Opportunistic's Perspective
Opportunistic behavior is often confused with ambition, but they differ significantly. While ambition generally refers to a strong desire to achieve success and can include ethical pursuits, opportunistic behavior tends to focus on self-serving actions that exploit situations for personal gain, often at the expense of ethical considerations. Ambition can be motivating and constructive when directed toward meaningful goals, whereas opportunism may lead to negative social consequences.
Explore Both
Cunning
negativeCunning is defined as the quality of being adept in achieving one’s goals through deceit or cleverness, often characterized by a sense of craftiness and manipulation.
Opportunistic
negativeOpportunistic refers to a tendency to take advantage of situations or circumstances for personal gain, often without regard for ethical considerations or the impact on others. It involves a willingness to capitalize on opportunities that may arise, regardless of the potential consequences for oneself or others.