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Deceptively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deceptively

[dษชหˆsษ›ptษชvli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe something that appears one way but is actually different

In a deceptively simple way, the artist's work contained layers of complexity. She deceptively made it seem like she wasn't paying attention, but she knew everything that was going on.

Synonyms

falsely, fraudulently, misleadingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deceptively

Used when something appears one way but is actually very different. It often implies a surprising or unexpected difference.

  • The house looked deceptively small from the outside, but it was quite spacious inside.
  • The puzzle seemed deceptively easy at first glance, but it turned out to be very challenging.
misleadingly

Used to describe actions or information that are intended to deceive or confuse, often without outright lying. It suggests that the truth is twisted or presented in a way that leads to a wrong interpretation.

  • The advertisement misleadingly suggested that the product was effective for everyone.
  • The politician's statement was misleadingly vague, leaving out important details.
fraudulently

Used in legal and formal contexts to describe actions that are intentionally deceitful and carried out to gain some advantage, often of a financial or legal nature.

  • The company was found to have fraudulently reported its earnings to appear more profitable.
  • He was arrested for fraudulently using someone else's credit card.
falsely

Used when something is not true or an assertion is incorrect. It often indicates an intentional or unintentional lie.

  • He was falsely accused of stealing money from the company.
  • The witness falsely testified that she had seen him at the crime scene.

Examples of usage

  • The dessert looked deceptively easy to make, but it turned out to be quite challenging.
  • The movie's plot was deceptively intricate, surprising many viewers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Humans can be easily deceived due to cognitive biases, which are shortcuts the brain takes that can lead to incorrect conclusions.
  • The concept of confirmation bias explains how people tend to favor information that confirms their existing beliefs, making them more susceptible to being misled.

Literature

  • In many classic tales, such as Shakespeareโ€™s 'Othello', characters are often deceived by appearances, leading to tragic consequences.
  • The theme of deception is prevalent in modern literature, reflecting society's struggles with trust and authenticity.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Prestige' and 'The Usual Suspects' showcase how things can be deceptively presented to keep audiences guessing.
  • Reality TV often uses deceptive editing to create storylines that may not represent the true unfolding of events.

Science

  • Some animals use deception for survival; for example, cuttlefish can change color to deceive predators and prey, blending into their surroundings.
  • The phenomenon of optical illusions is a scientific demonstration of how our perception can be deceived by visual stimuli.

Origin of 'deceptively'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'deceive,' which means to trick someone, and the suffix '-ly', which turns adjectives into adverbs.
  • Originally, 'deceive' comes from the Latin 'decipere', meaning 'to ensnare or take in', highlighting its roots in trickery.

The word 'deceptively' is derived from the verb 'deceive,' which comes from the Old French 'deceivre' and the Latin 'decipere,' meaning 'to ensnare, deceive, or catch.' The adverb 'deceptively' has been used in English since the early 19th century to describe something that is misleading or creates a false impression.

See also: deceit, deceitful, deceived, deceiver, deceivers, deception, deceptive.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,869, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.