Deceptive: meaning, definitions and examples

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deceptive

[dɪˈsɛptɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in appearance

giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; misleading

Synonyms

deceitful, false, misleading, tricky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deceptive	When something appears true or valid but actually isn't. This word can be used in many contexts, such as visual illusions or misleading appearances. The simplicity of the problem is deceptive; it's actually quite complex. Her smile was deceptive; it hid her true intentions.
misleading	When something gives the wrong idea or impression. Often used for information, advertisements, or instructions. The advertisement was misleading, as the actual product was very different. Her explanation was misleading and caused confusion.
false	When something is not true or correct. This word is generally used to describe statements, beliefs, or information. The report contained false information. His claims were proven to be false.
tricky	When something is difficult or complicated, often involving deception or skill. This word can also describe something that is not straightforward. The puzzle was tricky and took hours to solve. Negotiating this deal is going to be tricky.
deceitful	When describing a person or action that is intentionally untruthful or misleading. This word has a negative connotation. His deceitful behavior lost him many friends. She was known for her deceitful tactics in business.

Examples of usage

Her deceptive smile made him suspicious.
The company used deceptive advertising to attract customers.
The magician's deceptive tricks amazed the audience.
The deceptive packaging made the product seem more appealing.
Don't be fooled by his deceptive appearance.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

intention

intended to mislead or trick

Synonyms

deceitful, disingenuous, misleading, trickery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deceptive	Used when describing something that seems to be true or good, but is actually false or bad. It can refer to appearances, actions, or information. The advertisement was deceptive, making the product seem more effective than it really is. His calm demeanor was deceptive; he was actually very nervous.
misleading	Describes information or actions that cause someone to believe something that is not true. It can be intentional or unintentional. The instructions were misleading, causing many people to install the software incorrectly. His statements were misleading, painting an overly positive picture of the situation.
trickery	Involves dishonest actions or schemes to deceive someone. It is usually more active and blatant, and often implies manipulation. He used trickery to win the game's prizes unfairly. The magician's trickery fascinated the audience, though they knew it was all an illusion.
deceitful	Implies intentional lying or cheating, typically involving a person or their actions. Strongly negative connotation. She was deceitful, hiding the truth about the financial situation. His deceitful behavior led to a loss of trust among his colleagues.
disingenuous	Refers to someone who is not truly honest or sincere, often pretending to know less about something than they really do. Less severe than 'deceitful'. Her compliment seemed disingenuous, as if she didn't really mean it. He gave a disingenuous apology, without any real remorse.

Examples of usage

She gave him a deceptive answer to avoid telling the truth.
The deceptive tactics of the spy were uncovered by the intelligence agency.
The con artist used deceptive practices to scam unsuspecting victims.
His deceptive behavior was eventually exposed.
The deceptive nature of the email raised suspicions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'deceptive' comes from the Latin word 'deceptio', meaning 'to catch', which connects to the idea of tricking or misleading someone.
Historically, it has been used in English since the early 15th century, highlighting the longstanding nature of trickery in human communication.

Psychology

Studies show that humans are naturally inclined to spot deception, suggesting an evolutionary advantage in identifying threats.
People often exhibit micro-expressions, brief involuntary facial expressions that can reveal a person's true feelings, despite their deceptive words.

Literature

Deception is a common theme in literature, seen in works like Shakespeare's 'Othello', where characters mislead each other to tragic ends.
Many fairy tales use deception as a plot device, where characters are tested to discern truth from falsehood, teaching moral lessons.

Pop Culture

In films like 'Gone Girl', deception plays a crucial role in the plot, showcasing how characters manipulate perceptions to achieve their ends.
Reality TV often involves strategic deception among contestants, making it a popular element that keeps viewers engaged.

Science

In the animal kingdom, some species use deception as a survival tactic; for example, certain fish can change color to blend into their surroundings.
Research in cognitive psychology explores the ways that people construct and detect lies, revealing insights into human interactions and communications.

Translations

Translations of the word "deceptive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enganoso

🇮🇳 भ्रामक

🇩🇪 trügerisch

🇮🇩 menipu

🇺🇦 оманливий

🇵🇱 zwodniczy

🇯🇵 欺瞞的な (ぎまんてきな)

🇫🇷 trompeur

🇪🇸 engañoso

🇹🇷 aldatıcı

🇰🇷 속이는 (sog-ineun)

🇸🇦 خادع

🇨🇿 klamný

🇸🇰 klamlivý

🇨🇳 欺骗的 (qīpiàn de)

🇸🇮 varljiv

🇮🇸 villandi

🇰🇿 алдаушы

🇬🇪 მოტყუებითი

🇦🇿 aldadıcı

🇲🇽 engañoso

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,543, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11540 depict
11541 herring
11542 petrol
11543 deceptive
11544 lounge
11545 juncture
11546 unitary
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