delude - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
delude Word Meanings
- to deceive someone into thinking something false
- to mislead or trick someone
- to cause someone to believe something that is not true
delude Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
delude Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈluːd/
US
/dɪˈlud/
delude Word Etymology
de- = down, away + ludere = to play. Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a charlatan playing with people's minds, pulling down their hopes while they chase illusions.
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
Delude is a vivid verb meaning to cause someone to believe what is not true. It usually carries a sense of manipulation or self-deception, and it often implies a deliberate attempt to mislead rather than a casual mistake. You can delude someone into thinking a claim is credible, or you can delude yourself by clinging to appealing but false ideas. The word shares an etymology with play and with the idea of bending or turning from the truth: de- = down, away + ludere = to play. Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a charlatan playing with minds, pulling down hopes while conjuring illusions; the effect is more moral blame than ordinary lying.
Usage Reminders
- Use with care: delude often implies deliberate deception or self-deception; not a casual mistake. Compare with deceive and mislead. Often followed by into or into believing. Not used for neutral mistaken beliefs. Colloquial: 'deluded himself into thinking'; 'deluded by promises'. Remember moral nuance.
Common Misconceptions
- Delude = simply lie; it always involves deception
- Delude = always about others, never about yourself
- Delude and deceive are interchangeable
- You can delude someone into believing anything without evidence
- Illude and delude are the same word
Thinking Differences
In English, delude often conveys a moral judgment and is used for intentional manipulation or self-deception, which learners should distinguish from neutral mistaken beliefs.
Learning Tips
- Learn collocations: delude into believing, deluded by, self-delusion
- Distinguish delude from deceive and mislead
- Notice it often expresses moral judgment
- Use with self as object: delude yourself
- Watch for to-infinitive: delude someone into doing something
- Practice with real-world scenarios and irony
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'delude'?
A.To illuminate
B.To confuse
C.To isolate
D.To decorate
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'delude' used correctly?
A.The teacher deluded the students with a challenging question.
B.He deluded his lunch with extra seasoning.
C.The magician deluded the audience with his tricks.
D.She tried to delude the truth.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'delude'?
A.Enlighten
B.Clarify
C.Assist
D.Deceive
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'delude'?
A.Reveal
B.Guide
C.Baffle
D.Fool
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation would someone be likely to delude another person?
A.While exercising
B.At a cooking class
C.In a library
D.During a magic show
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