Deceiving: meaning, definitions and examples

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deceiving

 

[ dɪˈsiːvɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

action of misrepresentation

Deceiving refers to the act of causing someone to believe something that is not true, often by concealing the truth or misleading them. It can involve manipulation, trickery, or lying to achieve a specific purpose, often at the expense of the person being deceived. Deceiving can occur in various contexts, including personal relationships, business dealings, and even in legal situations. The intent behind deceiving is usually to gain an advantage or to avoid responsibility.

Synonyms

deluding, fooling, misleading, tricking

Examples of usage

  • She was deceiving her friends about her true feelings.
  • He was caught deceiving customers with false advertisements.
  • They tried deceiving the authorities to avoid punishment.

Translations

Translations of the word "deceiving" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enganando

🇮🇳 धोखा देना

🇩🇪 täuschend

🇮🇩 menipu

🇺🇦 обманний

🇵🇱 oszukujący

🇯🇵 欺く

🇫🇷 trompeur

🇪🇸 engañador

🇹🇷 aldatıcı

🇰🇷 속이는

🇸🇦 خادع

🇨🇿 klamavý

🇸🇰 klamný

🇨🇳 欺骗的

🇸🇮 zavajajoč

🇮🇸 svikull

🇰🇿 алдау

🇬🇪 მატყუარა

🇦🇿 aldadıcı

🇲🇽 engañador

Etymology

The word 'deceiving' comes from the verb 'deceive', which has its roots in the Latin word 'decipere', meaning 'to ensnare, take in'. It made its way into Middle English from Old French 'decevoir', which is derived from the Latin. The structure of the word reflects its function, as it conveys a sense of entrapment—suggesting that the one who is deceived is led into a trap or wrong belief. Over time, the concept of deception has evolved, becoming a significant topic in various fields, including psychology, philosophy, and law, where the moral implications of deceiving others are often debated. The act has been depicted in literature and art throughout history, representing both the darker sides of human nature and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,859, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.