deceptively large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deceptively large" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears smaller than it actually is, often in a surprising or misleading way. Example: "At first glance, the small box seemed unremarkable, but when opened, it revealed a deceptively large collection of items inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And the risks of direct selling can be deceptively large.

The New York Times

Walton's output might be described with the favorite English real estate broker's phrase, "deceptively large".

The New York Times - Arts

For such a cult item, it's surprisingly practical: easy to get into and deceptively large.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the tight quarters of Rome's historic center, the place is deceptively large — two floors with double-height ceilings.

The New York Times - Travel

On his prices, he is vague -- "variable rates; at one point I raised it to 15 cents" -- and while he has a diary somewhere, he believes any figures would sound deceptively large.

The New York Times

Researchers like Wendy Wood at Duke University and Brian Wansink at Cornell were examining how often smokers quit while vacationing and how much people eat when their plates are deceptively large or small.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It became clear that my ex-husband had been deceptively spending large amounts of money and that his financial house of cards was in the process of crashing down.

Huffington Post

It's deceptively heavy.

The Guardian - Business

Somehow this doesn't overwhelm what is on view in a small adjacent room: Andrea Frank's large, deceptively serene color photographs of immense oceangoing vessels shot at close quarters from small, harbor-friendly ones.

The New York Times

The assessment of the delivery or receipt of quality health care may seem deceptively straightforward, with large quantities of data available in health care records or cancer registries, for example.

BMC Cancer

Their deceptively conventional images conceal large, ambiguous worlds of feeling.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "deceptively large" with specific measurements to add precision and impact to your descriptions. This helps to clarify the contrast between perceived and actual size.

Common error

Avoid using "deceptively large" when simply describing something that is big. The phrase is most effective when there is a genuine element of surprise or misdirection involved, emphasizing the contrast between appearance and reality. A room is not simply large, it appears small but is "deceptively large".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deceptively large" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It is used to modify nouns by providing information about their size, specifically highlighting a discrepancy between perceived and actual dimensions. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deceptively large" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes something appearing smaller than it actually is. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility across various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. To effectively use "deceptively large", focus on highlighting the contrast between appearance and reality. Related phrases like "surprisingly spacious" and "larger than it appears" can serve as useful alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid misusing it simply to describe a large object without the element of surprise or deception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

larger than it appears

Directly compares the perceived size with the actual size.

deceptively roomy

Highlights comfort and size.

surprisingly spacious

Emphasizes the unexpected roominess or capacity.

much larger inside

Focuses on the interior space being greater than expected.

misleadingly big

Highlights the deceptive nature of the size.

gives a false impression of smallness

Highlights the misleading impression of being small.

bigger than you think

Informal way of expressing the unexpected size.

understated dimensions

Suggests the size is not immediately apparent or obvious.

disguised as small

Suggests the large size is hidden or concealed.

looks can be deceiving

A broader idiom implying the appearance is not indicative of the reality of its size.

FAQs

How can I use "deceptively large" in a sentence?

You can use "deceptively large" to describe objects, spaces, or even abstract concepts that appear smaller or less significant than they actually are. For example: "The seemingly small bag was "deceptively large", holding far more than expected."

What are some alternatives to "deceptively large"?

Some alternatives include "surprisingly spacious", "misleadingly big", or "larger than it appears". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "deceptively small" if it's actually large?

No, "deceptively small" means something appears larger than it is. "Deceptively large" means it appears smaller than it is. Use ""deceptively large"" to describe something with a misleadingly small appearance.

What's the difference between "deceptively large" and "apparently large"?

"Deceptively large" implies a misleading appearance of being small, while "apparently large" simply means something seems big. The former has an element of surprise, while the latter is a straightforward observation. Compare with the alternative "seemingly large".