Trick Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฉ
trick
[trษชk ]
Definitions
magic
A clever or skillful action or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone.
Synonyms
deception, maneuver, ploy, ruse, scheme.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| trick |
Typically used when talking about simple, often playful, actions that deceive others. Can also involve magic or entertaining acts.
|
| ploy |
Typically used when referring to a clever or cunning plan intended to achieve a specific advantage, especially one that involves tricking someone.
|
| scheme |
Used when referring to elaborate and often secret plans that are usually complex or fraudulent. Typically carries negative connotations.
|
| deception |
Used in serious contexts where someone is being misled or lied to, often carrying a negative connotation.
|
| ruse |
Used for a deceptive strategy or trick, usually implying a degree of cleverness or cunning. Often used in more formal or literary contexts.
|
| maneuver |
Often used in situations where skillful movement or strategic action is involved. Can be used in both neutral and positive contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- He pulled off an amazing trick by making the Statue of Liberty disappear.
- The magician's trick with the cards left the audience in awe.
- She used a clever trick to win the game.
- The trick to success is hard work and dedication.
- His trickery was finally exposed, and he was arrested for fraud.
deceive
Deceive or outwit (someone) by being cunning or skillful.
Synonyms
deceive, dupe, fool, hoodwink, mislead.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| trick |
General term for causing someone to believe something that is not true.
|
| deceive |
Implies causing someone to believe something false, often with the intent to gain an advantage. Has a negative connotation.
|
| dupe |
To deceive or trick someone into believing something that is not true, typically by making them look foolish.
|
| mislead |
To cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression about someone or something. Can be intentional or unintentional.
|
| hoodwink |
To deceive someone, especially by trickery or misleading them. Often implies a deliberate and crafty intent.
|
| fool |
To trick someone, often making them look silly or foolish. Generally has a playful or lighter tone unless context implies otherwise.
|
Examples of usage
- He tricked his friends into believing he had won the lottery.
- She tricked him into revealing the secret.
- Don't let them trick you into signing anything without reading it first.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Tricks can involve misdirection, which is used in magic to direct the audienceโs attention away from the secret.
- Cognitive psychology studies how people perceive tricks and illusions, highlighting the brainโs quirks.
- Children often use tricks in play, helping develop their problem-solving skills and creativity.
Pop Culture
- Magicians like Harry Houdini popularized tricks as central to entertainment by challenging audiences with illusions.
- Movies often feature clever tricks, like in 'Now You See Me', where heists are executed with magic-like precision.
- Social media has launched new forms of tricks, with influencers creating viral challenges that are playful and engaging.
History
- Tricks have been used throughout history for various purposes, including military strategies to confuse adversaries.
- Court jesters in medieval times performed tricks to amuse and make critical commentary on society.
- The art of juggling, which involves many tricks, dates back to ancient Egypt and is considered a form of entertainment.
Literature
- In folklore, characters like Coyote or Loki often employ tricks to outsmart others, teaching lessons through deception.
- Shakespeare's plays feature tricks, such as dramatic disguises and mistaken identities, to create humor and tension.
- Childrenโs literature often includes clever animals who use tricks to solve problems or escape from danger.
Origin of 'trick'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'trickare', meaning 'to deceive'.
- In the 15th century, 'trick' referred to a clever or cunning action.
- Over time, it evolved to include both playful pranks and deceptive practices.
The word 'trick' originated in the late 17th century from the Dutch word 'treck', meaning a tug or a pull. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to a cunning or skillful action meant to deceive or outwit someone. The association with magic tricks and illusions also contributed to the word's current usage.