deceptive
dih-SEHP-tihv
Deceptive (adj) means Likely to mislead or intended to create a false impression. Example: “The packaging was deceptive, making the product look bigger than it was.”
adj
1
Likely to mislead or intended to create a false impression.
"The packaging was deceptive, making the product look bigger than it was."
"His calm expression was deceptive — inside he was furious."
How to use deceptive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMisleading — giving a false impression, whether on purpose or not.
Common pairings
deceptive advertising
deceptively simple
a deceptive appearance
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more deceptive
- Superlative
- most deceptive
Fill the gap
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The packaging was _____, making the product look bigger than it was.
Etymology
From Latin deceptivus, from decipere, "to deceive."
Synonyms
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misleading
delusory
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for deceptive
See all rhymes for deceptive →Frequently asked questions
What does “deceptive” mean?
The word “deceptive” means likely to mislead or intended to create a false impression. In plain terms, misleading — giving a false impression, whether on purpose or not.
How do you pronounce “deceptive”?
“Deceptive” is pronounced dih-SEHP-tihv (/dɪˈsɛp.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “deceptive” in a sentence?
Here is “deceptive” used in a sentence: “The packaging was deceptive, making the product look bigger than it was.”
What is the opposite of “deceptive”?
The opposite of “deceptive” — its antonyms — are honest, nonfraudulent, undeceitful, undeceptive and unmisleading.
What part of speech is “deceptive”?
“Deceptive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “deceptive” come from?
The word “deceptive” comes from Latin. From Latin deceptivus, from decipere, "to deceive.".
Is “deceptive” a common word?
“Deceptive” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
