Boy vs. Knave — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
A boy is a male child or young man, while a knave historically refers to a male servant or an untrustworthy, deceitful man.
Difference Between Boy and Knave
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A boy is simply a young male, typically a child or adolescent. This term is used to denote age and gender without any negative connotations. Boys are generally seen in the context of their developmental stage, being younger and less mature than men. A knave, however, is an archaic term that originally referred to a male servant but later came to describe someone untrustworthy or dishonest. The term is now rarely used in everyday language except in literary contexts or historical references, often carrying a negative implication of deceitfulness or trickery.
While "boy" is a neutral, widely used term for young males, "knave" is laden with negative connotations and suggests a lack of moral integrity. Boys are simply seen in terms of their youth, whereas knaves are viewed with suspicion due to their perceived dishonesty.
Boys are a common subject in discussions about childhood development, education, and upbringing. Knaves are more likely to be encountered in literature, historical texts, or idiomatic expressions, typically denoting a character of dubious moral standing.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A male child or young man
An untrustworthy man; historically, a male servant
Usage Context
Everyday language
Archaic, literary, or historical
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Connotation
Neutral
Negative
Development Stage
Child or adolescent
Adult, often deceitful
Common Associations
Childhood, youth, growth
Deceit, trickery, servitude
Compare with Definitions
Boy
A young male person.
The boy played in the park with his friends.
Knave
A servant or menial worker.
The knave attended to the lord's needs diligently.
Boy
A male in his adolescence.
As a boy, he dreamed of becoming an astronaut.
Knave
A person known for dishonest or unscrupulous behavior.
He was a knave, always looking for a way to cheat others.
Boy
A male offspring.
They have a boy and a girl.
Knave
The jack in a deck of cards.
He drew a knave and a queen from the deck.
Boy
Referring to someone in the early stages of life.
The boy's enthusiasm was infectious.
Knave
A deceitful or dishonest male.
The knave tricked the villagers out of their money.
Boy
A boy is a young male human. The term is usually used for a child or an adolescent.
Knave
A dishonest or unscrupulous man.
Boy
A male child.
Knave
(in cards) a jack.
Boy
A son
His youngest boy.
Knave
An unprincipled, crafty fellow.
Boy
Often Offensive A man, especially a young man.
Knave
A male servant.
Boy
(Informal) A man socializing in a group of men
A night out with the boys.
Knave
A man of humble birth.
Boy
(Offensive) A male servant or employee.
Knave
(Games) See jack.
Boy
Used to express mild astonishment, elation, or disgust
Oh boy—what a surprise!.
Knave
(archaic) A boy; especially, a boy servant.
Boy
A young male.
Kate is dating a boy named Jim.
Knave
(archaic) Any male servant; a menial.
Boy
(particularly) A male child or adolescent, as distinguished from infants or adults.
Knave
A tricky, deceitful fellow; a dishonest person.
Boy
(diminutive) A son of any age.
Knave
(cards) A playing card marked with the figure of a servant or soldier; a jack.
Boy
A male of any age, particularly one rather younger than the speaker.
Knave
A boy; especially, a boy servant.
O murderous slumber,Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boyThat plays thee music ? Gentle knave, good night.
Boy
(obsolete) A male of low station, (especially as pejorative) a worthless male, a wretch; a mean and dishonest male, a knave.
Knave
Any male servant; a menial.
He's but Fortune's knave,A minister of her will.
Boy
A male servant, slave, assistant, or employee, particularly:
Knave
A tricky, deceitful fellow; a dishonest person; a rogue; a villain.
In defiance of demonstration, knaves will continue to proselyte fools.
Boy
A younger such worker.
Knave
A playing card marked with the figure of a servant or soldier; a jack; as, the knave of hearts.
Boy
A non-white male servant regardless of age, particularly as a form of address.
Knave
A deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
Boy
(obsolete) A male camp follower.
Knave
One of four face cards in a deck bearing a picture of a young prince
Boy
Any non-white male, regardless of age.
Knave
A character with villainous traits.
The knave in the story plotted against the hero.
Boy
A male animal, especially, in affectionate address, a male dog.
C'mere, boy! Good boy! Who's a good boy?
Are you getting a boy cat or a girl cat?
Boy
A former low rank of various armed services; a holder of this rank.
Boy
Heroin.
Boy
A male (tree, gene, etc).
Boy
Exclamation of surprise, pleasure or longing.
Boy, that was close!
Boy, that tastes good!
Boy, I wish I could go to Canada!
Boy
(transitive) To act as a boy in allusion to the former practice of boys acting women's parts on the stage.
Boy
A male child, from birth to the age of puberty; a lad; hence, a son.
My only boy fell by the side of great Dundee.
Boy
In various countries, a male servant, laborer, or slave of a native or inferior race; also, any man of such a race; - considered derogatory by those so called, and now seldom used.
He reverted again and again to the labor difficulty, and spoke of importing boys from Capetown.
Boy
To act as a boy; - in allusion to the former practice of boys acting women's parts on the stage.
I shall seeSome squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness.
Boy
A youthful male person;
The baby was a boy
She made the boy brush his teeth every night
Most soldiers are only boys in uniform
Boy
A friendly informal reference to a grown man;
He likes to play golf with the boys
Boy
A male human offspring;
Their son became a famous judge
His boy is taller than he is
Boy
(ethnic slur) offensive term for Black man;
Get out of my way, boy
Boy
Typically a male attending school.
The boy's school uniform was neatly pressed.
Common Curiosities
Is the term knave commonly used today?
No, knave is rarely used in modern language except in literary or historical contexts.
What is a knave?
A knave is an archaic term for a male servant or a deceitful, untrustworthy man.
What age group does the term boy refer to?
Boy generally refers to males from infancy through adolescence.
Can knave refer to a positive characteristic?
No, knave typically has negative connotations of deceit and dishonesty.
Is the term knave used in modern literature?
It can be, particularly in works with historical or fantasy settings.
Does the word boy have any negative connotations?
No, boy is a neutral term used to describe a young male.
Can knave be used to describe someone today?
It is uncommon and would likely be understood as a literary or archaic reference.
What is a boy?
A boy is a male child or young man.
What is an example of a knave in a sentence?
"The knave deceived the townspeople with his lies."
What is an example of a boy in a sentence?
"The boy eagerly opened his birthday presents."
How does boy differ from man?
Boy refers to a younger male, while man refers to an adult male.
Is boy used in any idiomatic expressions?
Yes, expressions like "boys will be boys" emphasize typical youthful behavior.
Are there any synonyms for boy?
Yes, synonyms include lad, youngster, and youth.
Are there any synonyms for knave?
Yes, synonyms include rogue, scoundrel, and villain.
Is knave used in any idiomatic expressions?
Yes, "a knave of hearts" refers to a character in playing cards and literature.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
