Subterfuge Meaning in English
word
ˈsəbtɝfˌjudʒ
SUB-ter-fyooj
sˈʌbtəfjˌuːdʒ
SUB-tuh-fyooge
Definition
A trick or dishonest way used to achieve something or hide the truth.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and often used in written or serious spoken English. Common collocations: 'by subterfuge', 'a clever subterfuge'. Suggests secrecy, cleverness, and sometimes mild disapproval; not physical tricks but mental or verbal deception. Not common in everyday speech.
Spanish: subterfugio - artimañaPortuguese (BR): subterfúgio - artimanhaPortuguese (PT): subterfúgio - artimanhaChinese (Simplified): 诡计 - 欺骗手段Chinese (Traditional): 詭計 - 欺騙手段Hindi: छल - बहानाArabic: خدعة - حيلةBengali: কুটকৌশল - ছলনাRussian: уловка - ухищрение - обманJapanese: 策略（さくりゃく） - ごまかしVietnamese: mưu mẹo - thủ đoạnKorean: 속임수 - 책략Turkish: hile - aldatmacaUrdu: چال - فریبIndonesian: muslihat - tipuan
Example Sentences
She used a subterfuge to avoid answering the question.
basic
The company hid its losses through subterfuge.
basic
He was exposed when his subterfuge was discovered.
basic
It was just a simple subterfuge to get a day off work.
natural
Politicians often rely on subterfuge instead of honest answers.
natural
That story about missing the bus was pure subterfuge.
natural