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deceptive

adjective

/dɪseptɪv/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of deceptive

Misleading, creating an illusion or a false impression.
"She wore a deceptive smile, hiding her true feelings of sadness."

Detailed meaning of deceptive

It implies an intention to misguide or deceive others by presenting information, appearances, or actions that are not entirely truthful or accurate. Deceptive characteristics can manifest in various forms, such as deceptive advertising, where exaggerated claims or false representations are used to manipulate consumer perception. It can also refer to deceptive behavior or actions aimed at concealing one's true intentions or motives. Something that is deceptive may seem trustworthy or genuine at first glance but reveals itself to be misleading or dishonest upon closer examination. Individuals or objects that possess deceptive qualities often utilize tricks, camouflage, or illusions to mask their true nature or to gain an unfair advantage. Recognizing and navigating deceptive situations or individuals requires careful observation, critical thinking, and skepticism to avoid being misled or manipulated.

Example sentences containing deceptive

1. The magician's deceptive tricks left the audience in awe and wonder.
2. The deceptive advertising convinced many consumers to buy the product, only to discover it did not live up to its claims.
3. The suspect used deceptive tactics to mislead the investigators.
4. The painting's deceptive brushstrokes created the illusion of depth and texture.
5. The politician's deceptive promises were later revealed as empty rhetoric.
6. The con artist employed deceptive techniques to swindle unsuspecting victims.

History and etymology of deceptive

The adjective 'deceptive' stems from the same Latin root as its noun counterpart, 'deception.' It is rooted in the Latin verb 'decipere,' which means 'to deceive' or 'to ensnare.' 'Decipere' consists of two components: 'de,' indicating 'down' or 'thoroughly,' and 'capere,' meaning 'to take' or 'to seize.' Thus, the etymology of 'deceptive' retains the essence of ensnaring or taking someone down through the creation of misleading illusions or false impressions. It aptly conveys the idea of something that leads one astray by presenting an appearance or information that is not in line with the truth, mirroring its origin in the Latin language.

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Further usage examples of deceptive

1. The defendant's deceptive testimony attempted to distort the truth of the matter.
2. The camouflage of the chameleon is a deceptive adaptation for blending into its surroundings.
3. The online scam used deceptive emails to trick people into revealing their personal information.
4. The maze's deceptive paths confused the participants, making it challenging to find the exit.
5. The spy's deceptive appearance allowed them to blend in seamlessly with the enemy's ranks.
6. The magician's deceptive tricks left the audience in awe.
7. His smile concealed a deceptive intent beneath it.
8. The product's deceptive packaging masked its flaws.
9. The politician's promises turned out to be deceptive.
10. The painting's beauty was deceptive, hiding its age.
11. Her calm demeanor was deceptive, masking her anxiety.
12. The dessert's appearance was deceptive; it tasted awful.
13. The company's deceptive practices led to a lawsuit.
14. The forest's silence was deceptive; danger lurked within.
15. The website's deceptive ads misled many consumers.
16. The calm sea's surface was deceptive; a storm brewed.
17. The spy used a deceptive disguise to infiltrate the enemy.
18. The email's subject line was deceptive clickbait.
19. The athlete's speed was deceptive, catching opponents off guard.
20. The maze's simplicity was deceptive; it was hard to solve.
21. The actor's deceptive performance fooled even critics.
22. The night's serenity was deceptive, hiding the chaos.
23. The quiet town had a deceptive underbelly of crime.
24. The book's cover was deceptive, not reflecting its content.
25. The mirror's reflection was deceptive, distorting reality.