deluded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deluded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is misled or has a false belief about something. Example: "He was deluded into thinking that he could win the competition without any preparation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The movement deluded itself about its non-hierarchical nature.

The Guardian

Our minds might pretend to be sovereign and to see our bodies as they really are, but the truth is that we are all deluded, and never more so than when in denial about this or that shape-shifting malady.

The Guardian - Arts

The man is a fraud and his voters are deluded.

The Guardian

Predictably, many anti-imperialist leftists reacted to the news by patronising the Ukrainians: how deluded they are still to idealise Europe, not to be able to see that joining the EU would just make Ukraine an economic colony of western Europe, sooner or later to go the same way as Greece.

The Guardian

That doesn't absolve Bush and Blair (ignorant fellows both), Eden or poor deluded Lawrence from what they caused to be done in Egypt, Iraq, Palestine and the rest.

The Guardian

It's not healthy for you to leave part of your life hidden away, and it's not conducive to happiness as a couple for one partner to be deluded about the true nature of the other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Michael Scott (The Office), Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Jerry and George (Seinfeld) and Kenny Powers (Eastbound and Down) were all deluded, egotistical and douchey from time to time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Iceland went bust because a country of fishermen was deluded into thinking it had become a giant investment bank.

The Economist

AfD may be deluded in believing the currency can be broken up gradually (it thinks southern countries should run parallel national currencies for several years).

The Economist

Tea-partiers, right-wing libertarians and left-wing anarchists are deluded to think otherwise.

The Economist

Three into three Business-class socialist Kia keels over All-Australian Telstra Two wobbly titans Management theory's true believers Entrepreneurs are deluded: official Brussels v Boeing Delhi bellyflop ReprintsThen the groups were given a business decision.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deluded", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the delusion to provide a complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "deluded" in highly formal or professional writing; opt for more neutral terms like "mistaken" or "misinformed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "deluded" primarily functions to describe someone who is mistaken or holds false beliefs. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it modifying nouns to indicate a state of deception or unrealistic perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "deluded" describes someone holding false beliefs, often about themselves or their situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, primarily in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal terms like "mistaken" or "misinformed" in professional settings. Related terms include "deceived" and "misguided", but "deluded" often implies a self-imposed state. When writing, ensure the context of the delusion is clear. The most common authoritative sources that use the term are The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceived

Implies active misleading by someone else, rather than a self-imposed state.

deceived

Focuses on the action of misleading rather than the state of being misled.

self-deceived

Underscores that the deception originates from within oneself.

misguided

Suggests being led in the wrong direction, often with good intentions.

under illusion

Indicates being deceived by a false perception or belief.

under a false impression

Highlights the incorrect belief rather than the person holding it.

laboring under a delusion

Emphasizes the persistent and entrenched nature of the false belief.

living in a fantasy world

Implies a detachment from reality and adherence to unrealistic beliefs.

out of touch with reality

Emphasizes the disconnection from the practical aspects of life.

hallucinating

Denotes experiencing sensory perceptions that are not real.

FAQs

How can I use "deluded" in a sentence?

You can use "deluded" to describe someone who holds a false belief, as in, "He was "deluded" into thinking he was capable of doing something he was not".

What are some alternatives to "deluded"?

Some alternatives to "deluded" include "deceived", "misguided", or "under a false impression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "deluded" in formal writing?

While "deluded" is generally understood, it can sometimes sound harsh in formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "mistaken" or "misinformed" for a more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "deluded" and "deceived"?

"Deluded" often implies a self-imposed state of false belief, while "deceived" suggests that someone else actively misled the person.