deception

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'deception' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone deliberately deceives someone else. For example, "The politician's deception about his party's policies caused a major scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The deception about her birth scarred Jane deeply.

The Guardian - Arts

Instead, Blair has been in familiar mode, repeating the old tunes that stress his sincerity and good faith, his firm belief that he was right and his view that it all comes down to a matter of judgment: "This isn't about a lie or a conspiracy or a deceit or a deception; it's a decision," he said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Amnesty reports that officials at the Hamad hospital psychiatric unit in Doha say anxiety or depression caused by deception about work is the chief cause of admission, and an occupational therapist told a local newspaper that 12 to 15 domestic workers visited the unit daily.

The Guardian

The police's recent involvement in the case followed intense pressure for action – including from the head of the Law Society, Desmond Hudson, who said Wonga's "dishonest activity" could amount to blackmail and deception.

The Guardian - Money

This is one of their tricks and a deception".

The Guardian

In the finding released by the BBC Trust it said the complainant "alleged the BBC had failed to obtain informed consent from the students who travelled to North Korea and the risk that Mr X considered had been caused to them and the guides as a result of the BBC's deception".

The Guardian

The matter was referred up to the executive editor for TV current affairs, Clive Edwards, who told the complainant his daughter would not be used in the film but "said that the deception used to film the programme was justified by the public interest and proportionate".

The Guardian

I wasn't angry at the deception – I already knew my parents were capable of lying to me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

True, good maple syrup can add a pleasing burned, crème caramel dimension to pancakes and if you must have fruit on there (what a "healthy" self-deception that is), blueberries are fine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With supercomputers in every pocket and robots looking down on every battlefield, just dismissing them as science fiction seems like self-deception.

The Economist

Another, "Stop and Think", looks at issues such as the meaning of success, handling peer pressure, the dangers of self-deception and the paradoxes of human nature.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "deception", be specific about the methods used and the intended consequences to provide clarity and impact in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "deception" as a vague accusation. Instead, specify the actions or statements that constitute the "deception" to make your argument more convincing.

Linguistic Context

The word "deception" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the act of deceiving or misleading someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It describes instances where someone intentionally causes another to believe something that is not true.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "deception" is a versatile noun used to describe the act of misleading or misrepresenting the truth. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and applicable across various contexts. As a noun, "deception" functions to describe, analyze, or condemn instances of misleading behavior. It appears most frequently in news and media, formal and business, and scientific contexts, highlighting its relevance in discussions ranging from political scandals to marketing strategies and research methodologies. When using "deception", it is important to specify the methods used and the intended consequences, and to avoid vague accusations. Alternatives like "deceit", "trickery", and "misrepresentation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act of deceit

This alternative emphasizes the action of deceiving someone.

fraudulent scheme

This refers to a plan that uses fraud to deceive.

misleading practice

This highlights the deceptive nature of a particular practice.

act of misrepresentation

Focuses on presenting something falsely.

false pretense

This suggests a deceptive claim or justification.

subterfuge

This implies the use of tricks or deceit to achieve a goal.

trickery

This is a general term for the use of tricks to deceive.

dishonest tactic

Emphasizes the lack of honesty in a particular method.

duplicity

Highlights the quality of being deceitful and having contradictory thoughts or actions.

a pack of lies

This implies a series of interconnected falsehoods aimed at deceiving.

FAQs

How can I use "deception" in a sentence?

You can use "deception" to describe an act or instance of misleading someone. For example, "The company was found guilty of "deception" in its marketing practices."

What are some alternatives to the word "deception"?

Some alternatives to "deception" include "deceit", "trickery", "fraud", "misrepresentation", or "duplicity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "deception" and "lying"?

"Lying" is a specific act of making a false statement. "Deception" is a broader term that includes lying but also encompasses other methods of misleading, such as concealing information or creating a false impression.

Is "deception" always intentional?

Yes, "deception" typically implies an intent to mislead or create a false belief. Unintentional misstatements or errors are not usually considered "deception".