Definition

Tending to give a false impression or lead someone to believe something that is not true.

Example

The advertisement was misleading, making the product seem better than it actually was.

Conversation

Did you see that advertisement?

Yeah, it seemed a bit misleading to me.

I thought so too; it promised results that looked unrealistic.

Exactly! It's frustrating when they use misleading claims like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Misleading → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly) and "lead" (from Old English "lædan", meaning to guide or direct) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process). The word "misleading" means the action of guiding or directing someone in a wrong way.

Memory Tip

Think of being guided in the wrong direction — 'mis-' means wrongly, and 'lead' means to guide.

Visually Confused Words