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Misleadingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคฅ
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misleadingly

[mษชsหˆliหdษชล‹li ]

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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'misleadingly'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'misleadingly' is derived from the verb 'mislead', which dates back to the 12th century. The prefix 'mis-' means 'wrongly' or 'badly', while 'lead' originates from Old English 'lรฆdan', meaning 'to guide'. Over time, 'mislead' evolved to 'misleadingly', reflecting the adverbial form of the verb. The concept of misleading has been a part of human communication for centuries, as individuals have sought to influence others through deception or false impressions.

See also: misled.

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.