illusory

Everyday

1. Not real, though it seems real; based on an illusion. tree →
2. (formal) Seeming true or possible but actually false: an illusory hope, an illusory advantage. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on light and the brain, optical illusions show illusory movement, size or colour. In formal writing and exams, «illusory» says something only appears to be so. Phrases: illusory movement, an illusory sense of safety, prove illusory.

Examples

• The moving pattern was illusory; the picture was not really moving. tree →
• The lake in the desert was illusory — it was a mirage. tree →
• His lead in the race proved illusory when he tripped. tree →
• The feeling of safety in a car without seatbelts is illusory. tree →
• Magicians create illusory effects to fool our eyes. tree →
• In art we made an illusory 3D cube on flat paper. tree →

Note

Formal word; in everyday speech people say «not real» or «fake». Noun: «illusion». Do not confuse «illusion» (false impression) with «allusion» (hint at something) or «delusion» (a strong false belief). Pronounced ih-LOO-suh-ree.