Misled: meaning, definitions and examples

To describe a situation where someone has been guided incorrectly or has formed a wrong belief due to someone else's actions or misinformation without necessarily intending harm.

• The tourists were misled by the incorrect signposts.
• She felt misled by the company's unclear advertising.

Used when someone is intentionally trying to make others believe something that is not true, often with a negative intention.

• He tried to deceive his boss about his work hours.
• The con artist deceived many people into believing his fake investment scheme.

Used to describe a situation where someone is fooled or deceived, usually in a playful or humorous way, but can also refer to more serious deceit.

• The magician performed a trick that left the audience amazed.
• She tricked him into thinking it was his birthday.

To describe a situation where someone is made to believe something that is not true, often involving self-deception or when someone believes something despite evidence to the contrary.

• He deluded himself into thinking he could pass the exam without studying.
• The salesman deluded the customers with fake promises.

Used when someone has been given false information or led to believe something that is not true. Often implies a sense of trust being broken.

• She felt misled by the advertisement
• The supervisor misled his team about the project's deadline

Used when something or someone is wrongly directed or given wrong guidance. Can also apply in a metaphorical sense, meaning to divert from the correct path.

• The parcels were misdirected to the wrong address
• His efforts were misdirected and did not yield any results

Applies when there is a state of uncertainty or a lack of clarity. Often used when talking about feelings, thoughts, or instructions.

• The teacher's explanation confused the students
• The directions were confusing, and I got lost

Used when someone is given incorrect or false information, often unintentionally. Unlike 'misled,' it may not carry a sense of broken trust or deception.

• He was misinformed about the meeting time
• The website misinformed people about the event details