deceive

Pronunciation: dih-SEEV

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of deceive

deceive (verb): To cause someone to believe something that is not true, often with the intent to gain an advantage or avoid blame.

Example: The con artist managed to deceive the investors with an elaborate scheme that promised high returns but delivered nothing.

Best for: common-difficulty vocabulary; learners who already know "mislead" or "betray"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Origin of deceive

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: decipere

Original meaning: to ensnare, to cheat

How it evolved: The root 'decipere' is formed from 'de-' (down, away) and 'capere' (to take, seize). The sense of trickery and misleading emerged as the word evolved.

The word 'deceive' originates from Latin, passing through Old French before entering Middle English in the 14th century.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember deceive

Think of 'deceive' as 'deceit' + 'achieve'—to achieve your goal through deceitful means.

Synonyms for deceive

Antonyms of deceive

deceive in a Sentence

  1. The con artist managed to deceive the investors with an elaborate scheme that promised high returns but delivered nothing.
  2. Her calm demeanor was merely a facade designed to deceive those who suspected her involvement in the plot.
  3. The magician's ability to deceive the audience with sleight of hand was both captivating and mystifying.

deceive in Literature & Culture

The concept of 'deception' plays a central role in classic literature, such as Othello, where Iago's deceit drives the tragic plot, and in modern works like The Great Gatsby, where characters deceive themselves and others.

Usage Notes

While 'deceive' often implies intentional dishonesty, it can sometimes be used in neutral contexts, such as illusions or misunderstandings. Avoid confusing it with 'misunderstand,' which lacks the deliberate intent to mislead.

Why deceive Matters for GRE & SAT

The GRE frequently tests words related to deception and trickery since they often appear in passages that analyze human behavior, ethics, or literature.

Word Family

deceiver (noun)
A person who deceives others.
deception (noun)
The act of deceiving or the state of being deceived.
deceptive (adjective)
Misleading; giving an appearance or impression different from the true one.
deceptively (adverb)
In a way that misleads or deceives.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'deceive' is etymologically related to 'capture,' as both share the Latin root 'capere,' meaning 'to take.'
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often deceive others, making the word a cornerstone of literary analysis.
  • The phrase 'looks can be deceiving' was first recorded in the 19th century, emphasizing how appearances can mislead.
  • prevaricate
  • daunting — scary or frightening; (of a task) seeming impossible
  • dawdle — move slowly and without purpose
  • dearth — lack of something in a particular area
  • debate — A formal discussion on a particular topic
  • debilitate — To make someone weak and infirm

More Vocabulary Words Starting with D

  • daunting — scary or frightening; (of a task) seeming impossible
  • daunting — scary or frightening; (of a task) seeming impossible
  • dawdle — move slowly and without purpose
  • dawdle — move slowly and without purpose
  • dearth — lack of something in a particular area
  • dearth — A scarcity or lack of something
  • dearth — lack of something in a particular area
  • debate — A formal discussion on a particular topic
  • debate — A formal discussion on a particular topic
  • debilitate — To make someone weak and infirm