What does "Machiavellian" imply?

The term "Machiavellian" is derived from the political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, particularly from his work "The Prince." It refers to a philosophy or approach that emphasizes cunning, deceit, and manipulation, often in pursuit of power or personal gain. Hence, "cunningly deceitful strategies" accurately captures the essence of what Machiavellian implies, highlighting the use of shrewd and often unscrupulous methods to achieve one's goals. This concept is frequently applied in political contexts, but it can extend to various personal or business interactions where manipulation is evident.

The other choices do not relate to this definition; for instance, easily angered personality traits do not connect to the strategic aspect of Machiavellianism, while a lack of words when communicating and a state of being accustomed to hardship do not reflect the cunning approach associated with Machiavelli’s ideas. Thus, the correct understanding of "Machiavellian" revolves around the use of deceitful strategies to secure advantages.