Deceptively Meaning in English
word
dɪˈsɛptɪvɫi
di-SEPT-iv-lee
dɪsˈɛptɪvli
di-SEPT-iv-lee
Definition
In a way that makes something seem different from what it really is, often making something appear better, easier, or simpler than it truly is.
Usage & Nuances
Very commonly used before adjectives: 'deceptively simple,' 'deceptively easy.' It means something looks easy, but is actually hard (not the opposite). Often misunderstood—context is key. Used in formal and informal speech.
Spanish: engañosamentePortuguese (BR): enganosamentePortuguese (PT): enganosamenteChinese (Simplified): 具有欺骗性的 - 看似…其实不…Chinese (Traditional): 具有欺騙性的 - 看似…其實不…Hindi: भ्रामक रूप सेArabic: بشكل خادعBengali: প্রতারণামূলকভাবে - বিভ্রান্তিকরভাবেRussian: обманчиво - на первый взглядJapanese: 一見～だが実は - 見かけによらずVietnamese: có vẻ - tưởng nhưKorean: 겉보기에는 - 속이게Turkish: aldatıcı bir şekildeUrdu: فریب دہ انداز میں - بظاہرIndonesian: terlihat - seolah-olah
Example Sentences
The test was deceptively easy at first.
basic
This puzzle is deceptively simple.
basic
The new game is deceptively hard to win.
basic
He gave a deceptively calm answer, but he was really nervous.
natural
The house looks deceptively small from the outside.
natural
That trail is deceptively flat—it gets really steep later.
natural