Meaning & Definition of word "Con"

Con

/kɒn/

noun:

  • 1. A deceptive or misleading argument or scheme.
    • Example: He fell for the con during the scam, losing a significant amount of money.
  • 2. A person who engages in deception; a swindler.
    • Example: The authorities are on the lookout for the con who tricked the elderly citizens.
  • 3. A disadvantage or drawback of a particular course of action.
    • Example: One major con of living in the city is the high cost of living.

verb:

  • 1. To deceive or trick someone.
    • Example: She managed to con him into believing that she was a wealthy heiress.

Etymology

From Latin 'con-', meaning 'together', used in conjunction with 'to deceive'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Con artist:

A person who deceives others, often for fraudulent gain.

Con job:

A deceptive scheme or trick.

Con someone:

To deceive or trick someone.

Related Words

convict:

A person found guilty of a crime.

confidence trick:

A deceitful scheme designed to con a person.

consensus:

A general agreement, often reached by a conference or debate.

Slang Meanings of con

Meaning: A short form for 'convict'.

Example Sentence: He's been in and out of jail; he's a real con.

Meaning: To deceive someone in a clever way.

Example Sentence: She really knows how to con her way out of trouble.