Tricks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tricks

[trɪks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

magic

Clever or skillful actions that appear to be supernatural or have a magical effect. Tricks are often performed by magicians or illusionists to entertain an audience.

Synonyms

deceptions, illusions, magic.

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Word Description / Examples
tricks

Usually used to describe playful actions or skills that entertain or amaze people. Can also refer to clever methods or techniques used to achieve something.

  • The magician performed amazing tricks at the birthday party
  • He has a few tricks up his sleeve to solve this problem
illusions

Used to describe instances where something appears to be different from what it really is, often concerning visual or perceptual experiences.

  • The illusion made it seem like the magician sawed the lady in half
  • Optical illusions can trick your brain into seeing things that aren't there
magic

Describes supernatural or fantastical actions that cannot be explained by science. It is often used in a context related to fantasy or entertainment.

  • She was amazed by the magic show at the fair
  • In the story, the wizard used magic to defend the kingdom
deceptions

Refers to actions or statements that deliberately aim to make someone believe something that is not true. Often has a negative connotation.

  • His deceptions were finally uncovered by the detective
  • She was hurt by his constant deceptions

Examples of usage

  • He amazed the crowd with his incredible card tricks.
  • She used a mirror to create the illusion of floating in the air, a classic trick in magic shows.
Context #2 | Noun

deception

A dishonest or deceitful action or plan used to fool or deceive someone. Tricks can be used for manipulation or to achieve a desired outcome through cunning methods.

Synonyms

deceptions, manipulations, schemes.

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Word Description / Examples
tricks

This word appears to have been listed twice; it fits the context used above.

  • The jester played several tricks on the members of the court
schemes

This word is used to describe carefully planned strategies or plots, often secretive and sometimes dishonest or deceptive.

  • Their scheme to defraud the company was uncovered
  • He was involved in a secret scheme to take over the business
manipulations

This word is often used to describe actions where someone is influencing or controlling others, usually for their own advantage, and it often has a negative connotation.

  • His manipulations of the facts were discovered by the committee
  • She resented his constant manipulations
deceptions

This word is used when intentionally misleading or deceiving someone, often with negative or harmful implications.

  • Her deceptions caused a lot of pain to her friends
  • The detective uncovered a web of deceptions

Examples of usage

  • He fell for her trick to get him to reveal his secrets.
  • The con artist used various tricks to swindle people out of their money.
Context #3 | Verb

deceive

To cheat or deceive someone by using cunning or dishonest methods. To trick someone is to make them believe something that is not true.

Synonyms

deceive, dupe, mislead.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tricks

Used to describe techniques or methods that make a task easier or more efficient, often in the form of tips or hacks.

  • Here are some tricks to improving your memory
  • She knows some useful kitchen tricks for faster cooking
deceive

Generally negative, indicating the act of making someone believe something that is not true, often to gain some advantage or to cause harm.

  • He tried to deceive his boss about the missed deadline
  • She was deceived into investing in a fraudulent scheme
dupe

Mostly negative, referring to the act of tricking someone into believing something that is not true, making them a victim of a lie or scam.

  • The con artist duped the tourists with a fake lottery ticket
  • She was duped by an online scammer
mislead

Usually negative, implying the act of giving someone the wrong idea or impression, often intentionally, to lead them astray.

  • The advertisement was designed to mislead customers about the product's effectiveness
  • He misled his parents about his grades

Examples of usage

  • She tricked him into giving her his password by pretending to be his friend.
  • The scammer tricked the elderly couple into giving him their life savings.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often feature characters who use tricks to escape danger or embarrass their foes, adding excitement to stories.
  • Popular children's entertainers like clowns and magicians build their acts around tricks that dazzle audiences of all ages.

Psychology

  • Tricks often play on our mind's perceptions, demonstrating how easily we can be fooled by our senses.
  • Many tricks exploit cognitive biases, showing how our brains can take shortcuts that can lead to mistaken beliefs.

History

  • Throughout history, tricks have been used in various forms of storytelling, from ancient tales to modern performances, capturing human imagination.
  • During the Renaissance, street performers and circus acts became popular for their incredible tricks, combining art and entertainment.

Science

  • Many tricks that involve science require principles like physics, demonstrating concepts through fun and engaging experiments.
  • Optical illusions are a type of visual trick that challenges our understanding of light and perception, fascinating scientists and artists alike.

Origin of 'tricks'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'trick' comes from the Middle English term 'trik,' which means to deceive or cheat.
  • It has roots in the Old French 'trique,' relating to skill or dexterity, indicating the artfulness often behind tricks.

The word 'tricks' originated from Middle English 'trik' which meant a wile, deceit, or stratagem. It has evolved over time to encompass a range of meanings related to clever or deceptive actions. The use of tricks in magic performances dates back centuries, with magicians using sleight of hand and illusions to entertain audiences. In everyday language, 'tricks' can refer to both playful pranks and cunning deceptions.


See also: trick, trickery, trickster, tricksy, tricky.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,145 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.