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Deceitful: meaning, definitions and examples

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deceitful

[dɪˈsiːtfʊl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Guilty of or involving deceit; deceiving or misleading others.

Synonyms

deceptive, dishonest, fraudulent, misleading.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deceitful

When referring to a person or behavior that actively tries to mislead or trick others. Often implies an intent to deceive.

  • Her deceitful nature made it hard to trust anything she said
  • The deceitful advertisement promised results it couldn't deliver
dishonest

Used to describe someone who regularly tells lies or acts untruthfully. It is a broader term that generally implies a lack of integrity.

  • A dishonest employee was caught stealing from the company
  • She was known for her dishonest answers, making her unreliable
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.

  • The packaging was deceptive, making the product look larger than it actually was
  • His calm demeanor was deceptive; he was very upset inside
misleading

Describes something that gives a wrong idea or impression, whether or not it is intentional. It often appears in consumer or informational contexts.

  • The instructions were misleading and caused confusion
  • The headline was misleading, as it did not represent the true story
fraudulent

Typically used in legal or formal contexts to describe actions that are not only deceitful but also illegal or involving criminal intent.

  • The fraudulent scheme cost investors millions of dollars
  • He was arrested for fraudulent activities, including forgery

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Giving a false appearance of truth or reliability.

Synonyms

deceptive, false, misleading, untrustworthy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deceitful

This word is used to describe someone who intentionally hides the truth or misleads others. It carries a strong negative connotation.

  • She is a deceitful person who often lies to get what she wants
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.

  • The article had a misleading headline that caused people to misunderstand the issue
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.

  • He was spreading false rumors about his co-workers
untrustworthy

Used to describe a person who cannot be relied upon to tell the truth or keep promises. It is a strong negative term.

  • After several instances of breaking promises, he was considered untrustworthy by everyone
deceptive

Used when someone or something gives a false impression or appearance, often unintentionally. It may not always carry a heavily negative meaning.

  • The advertisement was deceptive and made the product look better than it actually was

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

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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.