Meaning & Definition of word "Deceptive"
to
Deceptive
/dɪˈsɛptɪv/
adjective:
- 1. tending to deceive; misleading or fraudulent.
- Example: The deceptive advertisement promised instant weight loss without any effort.
- 2. not genuine; appearing to be something that it is not.
- Example: Her smile was deceptive; beneath it lay a great deal of sadness.
- 3. designed to mislead or trick.
- Example: The magician used deceptive tactics to create the illusion of a floating ball.
- 4. giving an appearance or impression different from the true one.
- Example: The deceptive calm of the sea before the storm made sailors underestimate the danger.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from de- (expressing reversal) + cept- (from Latin capere 'to seize') + -ive.
Common Phrases and Expressions
deceptive appearance:
an outward look that misrepresents reality
deceptive practices:
activities that involve tricking or misleading others
deceptive marketing:
advertising that misrepresents the quality or characteristics of a product
Related Words
deception:
the act of deceiving; misleading or tricking someone.
deceive:
to cause someone to believe something that is not true.
deceiver:
a person who deceives others.
Slang Meanings of deceptive
Meaning: playing someone
Example Sentence: He was just playing her, being deceptive about his feelings.
Meaning: pulling a fast one
Example Sentence: Don't let him pull a fast one with that deceptive smile.