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Misleadingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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misleadingly

 

[mɪsˈliːdɪŋli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe something that gives the wrong idea or impression

In a way that deceives or misleads by giving a false impression.

Synonyms

deceptively, falsely, incorrectly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misleadingly

Use when something gives a wrong impression or leads someone to believe something that is not true, often unintentionally.

  • He was misleadingly polite during the entire conversation.
  • The company claimed misleadingly that their product was environmentally friendly.
falsely

Use when something is not true and is intended to seem true, often involving a deliberate lie or inaccuracy.

  • He was falsely accused of the crime.
  • The witness gave a falsely heartwarming testimony.
deceptively

Use when talking about something that is intended to or likely to deceive or trick someone, often suggesting a deliberate action.

  • The house looked deceptively small from the outside.
  • Her smile was deceptively sweet.
incorrectly

Use when referring to something that is not correct, often related to factual errors or mistakes without any implication of deceit.

  • The question was answered incorrectly.
  • The instructions were followed incorrectly.

Examples of usage

  • He presented the data misleadingly to support his argument.
  • The advertisement was misleadingly promising quick results.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'mis-' meaning wrong, and 'lead' meaning guide, combined with the adverb suffix '-ly'.
  • The first known use of 'misleading' dates back to the 1800s, indicating its long-standing presence in English.
  • In contemporary usage, it often appears in discussions about advertising and politics, highlighting its relevance in modern communication.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases can make people more susceptible to being misled, such as confirmation bias where they favor information that supports their beliefs.
  • Studies suggest that emotional reactions can cloud judgment, making people more likely to accept misleading information.
  • Misleading tactics can exploit social influences, showing how peer pressure can lead individuals to fall for incorrect assumptions.

Pop Culture

  • In films and novels, plot twists often involve characters being misled, creating drama and surprise.
  • Song lyrics sometimes use misleading phrases to evoke deeper meanings, keeping the listener guessing.
  • Reality TV shows frequently employ misleading editing to create conflicts that never actually occurred, affecting audience perception.

Media Literacy

  • The rise of fake news is a major concern as it often misleads the public about important issues.
  • Media literacy education emphasizes the ability to recognize misleading information and understand its impact.
  • Fact-checking organizations have emerged to help combat misleading claims, showcasing the necessity of critical thinking skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "misleadingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enganosamente

🇮🇳 भ्रामक रूप से

🇩🇪 irreführend

🇮🇩 menyesatkan

🇺🇦 оманливо

🇵🇱 wprowadzająco w błąd

🇯🇵 誤解を招くように

🇫🇷 trompeusement

🇪🇸 engañosamente

🇹🇷 yanıltıcı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 오도하게

🇸🇦 بشكل مضلل

🇨🇿 klamně

🇸🇰 klamlivo

🇨🇳 误导性地

🇸🇮 zavajajoče

🇮🇸 villandi

🇰🇿 алдап

🇬🇪 ყალბი

🇦🇿 aldadıcı şəkildə

🇲🇽 engañosamente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,154 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.