deceive
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪˈsiːv/
KK: /dɪˈsiv/
intransitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to believe something that is not true; to mislead or trick someone.
Example
He tried to deceive his friends with a fake story.
Tense Forms
Past: deceived
Past Participle: deceived
Conversation
I can't believe how often people deceive others just to get ahead.
I know, right? It’s really disappointing to see that.
Yeah, sometimes it seems like appearances can really deceive us.
Totally! You never know who to trust these days.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mislead
fool
trick
Antonyms
reveal
disclose
honor
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone believe something that is not true; to trick or mislead someone.
Example
He tried to deceive his friends by telling them a false story.
Tense Forms
Past: deceived
Past Participle: deceived
Conversation
Have you ever met someone who tried to deceive you?
Yeah, I had a friend who lied about their job.
That must have been frustrating when you found out they were trying to deceive you.
Root Explanation
Deceive → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "capere" (meaning to take or seize). The word originally described the act of taking someone down or away from the truth, leading them to believe something false.
Memory Tip
Think of 'taking away' the truth ('de-') from someone, which helps you remember that to deceive means to lead someone into believing something that is not true.
Visually Confused Words
undeceive
redeceive
decretive
receive
declive
undeceiver
undeceived
predeceive