deceive - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
deceive Word Meanings
- to cause someone to believe something that is not true
- to mislead or trick someone
- to hide the truth from someone
deceive Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
deceive Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈsiːv/
US
/dɪˈsiv/
deceive Word Etymology
de- = from, ceive = take; Latin decipere (to catch, ensnare) → Old French deceveir → English deceive. Imagine a clever magician manipulating your thoughts, making you believe in illusions, illustrating deception.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Deceive is a verb meaning to cause someone to believe something that is not true, often by hiding or distorting the truth. It can involve lying, but it also covers clever manipulation, misdirection, or withholding information. In everyday English, deceive carries a stronger moral tone than mislead or trick and tends to be used in more formal or serious contexts. You can say someone deceived you about a plan, a product, or a person. The related noun is deception. Picture a magician who uses illusion to suggest a reality that isn’t there to remember the core idea: misleading or hiding the truth.
Usage Reminders
- Be careful: deceive implies intent; not every misleading statement counts as deception. Use deceive into when a result is caused by convincing someone to do something. Distinguish deceive from lie and from mislead. Deception is the noun form. Passive voice: be deceived by someone or something. Common collocations include deceive someone about something, deceive into doing something.
Common Misconceptions
- Deceive vs lie: deception often implies manipulation beyond a single falsehood.
- Deceive does not always require a direct lie; it can be withholding information.
- Be deceived is about others’ actions toward you, not your own intent.
- Deceive is formal; in casual speech use mislead or trick instead.
- Deception as a noun refers to the act itself, not a person.
Thinking Differences
In English, deception often hinges on a deliberate manipulation of information and a clear agent who intends to mislead. Learners tend to treat deceive as a near‑synonym of lie or mislead, forgetting its formal tone and the common phrasal patterns deceive into doing something or be deceived by someone.
Learning Tips
- Learn the phrasal pattern deceive into doing something
- Remember be deceived by to describe being fooled
- Keep deception as a noun: deception
- Differentiate deceive from lie and mislead
- Practice active voice and passive voice forms
- Use context clues to infer intention
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'deceive'?
A.Trust
B.Mislead
C.Honor
D.Genuine
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'deceive' correctly?
A.It is wrong to deceive people for personal gain.
B.She will deceive by telling the truth.
C.The honest person always deceives others.
D.His straightforwardness is considered a deceive.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'deceive'?
A.Reveal
B.Seduce
C.Trick
D.Honest
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'deceive'?
A.Truthful
B.Deceive
C.Honest
D.Genuine
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation would someone deceive another person?
A.While making an honest deal
B.To gain an unfair advantage
C.During a sincere apology
D.In a transparent communication
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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