Deceitful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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deceitful
[dɪˈsiːtfʊl ]
Definitions
behavior
Guilty of or involving deceit; deceiving or misleading others.
Synonyms
deceptive, dishonest, fraudulent, misleading.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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deceitful |
When referring to a person or behavior that actively tries to mislead or trick others. Often implies an intent to deceive.
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dishonest |
Used to describe someone who regularly tells lies or acts untruthfully. It is a broader term that generally implies a lack of integrity.
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deceptive |
Usually describes something that appears to be one way but is actually another. It focuses more on the impression given rather than the intention.
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misleading |
Describes something that gives a wrong idea or impression, whether or not it is intentional. It often appears in consumer or informational contexts.
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fraudulent |
Typically used in legal or formal contexts to describe actions that are not only deceitful but also illegal or involving criminal intent.
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Examples of usage
- He was caught in a deceitful act of stealing money from his colleagues.
- The deceitful salesman convinced the customers to buy faulty products.
- She used deceitful tactics to manipulate her way to the top.
appearance
Giving a false appearance of truth or reliability.
Synonyms
deceptive, false, misleading, untrustworthy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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deceitful |
This word is used to describe someone who intentionally hides the truth or misleads others. It carries a strong negative connotation.
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misleading |
Often used to describe information or actions that cause someone to believe something that is not true. It suggests that the information may be incorrect or presented in a way that causes confusion.
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false |
This word is generally used to describe statements or information that is not true. It has a negative tone when referring to information that is deliberately incorrect.
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untrustworthy |
Used to describe a person who cannot be relied upon to tell the truth or keep promises. It is a strong negative term.
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deceptive |
Used when someone or something gives a false impression or appearance, often unintentionally. It may not always carry a heavily negative meaning.
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Examples of usage
- Her deceitful smile did not fool anyone who knew her true intentions.
- The painting had a deceitful quality, making it appear more valuable than it was.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that deceitful behavior can often be linked to various personality disorders.
- Research indicates that some individuals may be more predisposed to manipulative behavior due to environmental factors.
- The ability to deceive is often related to a person's emotional intelligence and their understanding of others' feelings.
Literature
- In literature, deceitful characters often drive the plot, showcasing the theme of betrayal, as seen in Shakespeare's 'Othello'.
- Classic fairy tales often feature deceitful characters, such as the cunning fox or treacherous witches, teaching moral lessons.
- The archetype of the trickster is prevalent in myths and legends, representing the duality of deception and cleverness.
Pop Culture
- Many films portray deceitful characters, often as the antagonist, like in thrillers and crime dramas.
- Reality television often highlights deceitful actions for dramatic effect, sparking conversations about ethics.
- In social media, individuals may present deceitful personas, leading to discussions about authenticity and online behavior.
Religion and Philosophy
- Many religious texts, including the Bible, warn against deceitfulness, highlighting the moral imperative of honesty.
- Philosophical discussions about morality often include the implications of deceitful actions on personal integrity and society.
- In some cultures, deceitfulness is seen as a serious moral failing, impacting one's reputation and community standing.
Origin of 'deceitful'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'decipere', meaning 'to deceive or ensnare'.
- It originated in the Middle English as 'deceitful', which referred to someone misleading others.
- The first known use of the term was in the early 14th century.
The word 'deceitful' originated from the Middle English word 'deceit', which came from the Old French 'deceit' and the Latin 'deceptio'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of deceitfulness has been explored in various literary works and philosophical discussions, highlighting the impact of deception on human relationships and society.
See also: deceit, deceived, deceiver, deceivers, deception, deceptive, deceptively.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #18,105, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
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- 18102 aristocrats
- 18103 unfettered
- 18104 feudalism
- 18105 deceitful
- 18106 overlain
- 18107 gratis
- 18108 compendium
- ...