deceptive

Everyday

1. Giving a false idea or impression, so that something seems different from what it really is. tree →
2. Meant to trick or mislead people: «deceptive advertising». tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science lessons: «Appearances can be deceptive» — a tall thin glass may hold less than it looks, and a problem may look easy but hide a trap. In safety lessons: deceptive messages or ads trick people. Phrases: «appearances can be deceptive», «deceptively simple», «deceptive advertising».

Examples

• The calm sea was deceptive; there were strong currents. tree →
• Appearances can be deceptive — the tiny dog was very fierce. tree →
• The question looked easy, but it was deceptive. tree →
• The ad was deceptive because the toy looked much bigger on TV. tree →
• The tall glass is deceptive: it holds the same as the short wide one. tree →
• The slope looked gentle, but it was deceptive and very icy. tree →

Note

Noun: «deception»; verb: «deceive» (i before e after c: «receive», «deceive»). «Deceptively» can confuse: «deceptively simple» means it seems simple but is not. In maths, a deceptive picture does not change the actual numbers; measure or calculate instead of guessing.