deceptive
UK: dɪˈsɛptɪv | US: dɪˈsɛptɪv
adj. intended to make someone believe something that is not true; misleading
adj. giving a false impression
deceptive = de<away> + cept<take> + ive<adjective suffix>
- de (Latin de-): "away, off" (implying reversal or removal)
- cept (Latin capere): "to take, seize" (root seen in capture, accept)
- ive (Latin -ivus): adjective-forming suffix (e.g., active, destructive)
Etymology Origin:
The word deceptive traces back to Latin decipere ("to deceive"), combining de- (away) + capere (to take). The literal sense was "to take someone away (from the truth)." Over time, deceptive evolved in English (via Old French) to describe actions or appearances that "take away" clarity, creating false impressions. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "away" + "take" + "tending to" = "tending to take (someone) away (from reality)."
The magician’s deceptive tricks left the audience in awe.
Appearances can be deceptive; the humble exterior hid a luxurious interior.
The advertisement was criticized for its deceptive claims about the product’s benefits.
His calm tone was deceptive, masking his true anger.
The spy used deceptive tactics to avoid detection.