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adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

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 notes

In plain EnglishMisleading — giving a false impression, whether on purpose or not.

Common pairings
deceptive advertising deceptively simple a deceptive appearance

Word forms

more deceptive comparative, most deceptive superlative

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Test yourself on “deceptive” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The packaging was _____, making the product look bigger than it was.

Etymology

From Latin deceptivus, from decipere, "to deceive."

Origin: Latin

Antonyms

honest nonfraudulent undeceitful undeceptive unmisleading

Related words

Rhymes for deceptive

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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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial