B2adjectivesocietymedia
US/dɪˈsep.tɪv/
UK/dɪˈsep.tɪv/
making you believe something that is not true, often because of how it looks
In context
The calm sea can be deceptive, because the currents are very strong.
The company was fined heavily for its deceptive advertising last year.
His friendly smile was deceptive; he was planning to take the money.
Words that go with deceptive
adjective + noun
- deceptive advertisingDeceptive advertising makes customers lose trust.
- deceptive practicesThe store was accused of deceptive practices.
- deceptive appearanceThe house has a deceptive appearance from the outside.
- deceptive marketingDeceptive marketing is illegal in many countries.
adverb + adjective
- deceptively simpleThe recipe looks deceptively simple.
- can be deceptiveFirst impressions can be deceptive.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He is a deceptive personCorrect: He is a deceitful person