hoax - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hoax Word Meanings
- a trick or deception
- something meant to mislead or deceive
- a falsehood or fraudulent act
hoax Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hoax Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/həʊks/
US
/hoʊks/
hoax Word Etymology
Root decomposition: hoax (root). Historical origin: Unknown; suggested to be from obsolete 'hocus' in 'hocus pocus' in the 16th century. Memory image: Picture a jester pulling a prank in a crowded court, fooling everyone with a clever trick.
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
A hoax is a deliberate trick or deception designed to mislead people, often presented as legitimate news, a startling claim, or a sensational event. It can take many forms, from fake quotations and altered photographs to staged videos or fabricated websites. People may feel surprised, amused, or outraged when they discover they have been hoaxed. The verb hoax means to trick someone or to fabricate a deception that others might believe. Recognizing a hoax requires attention to source credibility, dates, and corroborating evidence, and it helps to pause before sharing information that seems extraordinary.
Usage Reminders
- Watch for sensational claims without evidence.
- Check the source before sharing.
- Distinguish hoax from satire or joke.
- Remember hoax can be a noun or a verb and watch tense.
- Pause, verify dates, and seek corroboration from reputable outlets.
Common Misconceptions
- Hoax is just a joke and always harmless
- If it is widely shared, it must be true
- Hoax equals fake news
- A hoax is only political or controversial content
- Hoaxes only happen online
Thinking Differences
English speakers tend to separate hoaxes from jokes or satire and focus on the intent to deceive and verifiable evidence; learners may lump hoax together with random lies or fake news and miss the requirement for deliberate intent.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations (hoax, hoaxed, hoaxing).
- Distinguish hoax from satire and from a genuine mistake.
- Practice recognizing credibility cues in sources.
- Compare multiple reputable outlets for the same claim.
- Paraphrase examples to test understanding.
- Create a quick checklist to audit information before sharing.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'hoax' mean?
A.A serious crime
B.A type of bird
C.A prank or trick intended to deceive
D.A form of art
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'hoax' correctly?
A.The brilliant scientist made a hoax to demonstrate his theory.
B.She cooked a delicious hoax for dinner.
C.The hoax was a great success at the festival.
D.He felt a hoax of sadness after the movie.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'hoax'?
A.Truth
B.Deception
C.Honesty
D.Reality
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'hoax'?
A.Fact
B.Lie
C.Fiction
D.Myth
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'hoax' would apply?
A.Many people believed the news story was true.
B.The elaborate plan turned out to be a clever hoax.
C.The magician's trick was surprisingly effective.
D.She told a tale about her summer vacation.
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