Deceptive
[dɪ'septɪv] or [dɪ'sɛptɪv]
Definition
(adj.) designed to deceive or mislead either deliberately or inadvertently; 'the deceptive calm in the eye of the storm'; 'deliberately deceptive packaging'; 'a misleading similarity'; 'statistics can be presented in ways that are misleading'; 'shoddy business practices' .
(adj.) causing one to believe what is not true or fail to believe what is true; 'deceptive calm'; 'a delusory pleasure' .
Typed by Brooke--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Tending to deceive; having power to mislead, or impress with false opinions; as, a deceptive countenance or appearance.
Typed by Kate
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. Deceitful, deceiving, delusive, illusive, illusory, misleading, fallacious, clap-trap, false.
Inputed by Cleo
Examples
- When theory runs against the grain of living forces, the result is a deceptive theory of politics. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- Just as deceptive as plain fraud is the deceptive ballot. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- This is a pleasant surprise, sir, said Mr. Ablewhite, addressing himself with his deceptive cordiality to Mr. Bruff. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- And how deceptive appearances may be, to be sure! Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- The following will make a splendid article, and you know what you are getting without paying high prices for weak extracts put up in deceptive little panel bottles. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- Popular history is deceptive if it is used to furnish a picture for coming events. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact, he answered, laughing. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- I may _hope_ it--yes--but hope is deceptive. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
Inputed by Cleo