delusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is misleading or deceptive in nature. Example: "The advertisement was delusive, promising results that were far from reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Yet the dream of a manufacturing elysium was delusive: the state's population rose only from 213,000 in 1921 to 227,000 in 1933, and the government often faced bankruptcy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of this is delusive, but certainly they have had good reason for not seeing themselves as wage slaves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He cuts away the moral foundations (delusive as they are) on which the family has lived, leaving them despondent and shattered by the weight of a guilt too heavy to bear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Through the refractive medium of an exceptionally misleading narration, however, we glimpse a much bleaker world in which moral choice is hard, in which there are no consolations, and in which Romantic paraphernalia whether speculative science, artistic medievalism, or landscape gardening is a delusive distraction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Godard offered his visual and verbal images as delusive counterfeits for a life whose meaning has become irretrievably lost or perhaps was always intrinsically absurd.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Today, that period looks like a delusive blip.

Independent

A breathtaking statistic; and one that underscores the fact that photography remains the glassy surface on to which mass desires – in the form of delusive images – are projected from either side.

Independent

Her family prized logic, and her marriage is its great subversion: the lapse sends her inexorably into delusive irrationality, and the narrative fits the decline, becoming increasingly surreal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Hazel Flagg fits right into this self-delusive world, the bright-lights culture of big-city tabs and their credulous readers.

The New York Times

Joe Gillis (played by William Holden), down on his luck as the movie begins, winds up as the kept man of an insanely self-delusive silent film star, Norma Desmond Gloria Swansonn), who hasn't made a picture in decades and dreams of a return to glory.

The New York Times

The very idea that penal institutions can be justified is suspect, self-delusive.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delusive", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being perceived as false or misleading. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "delusive" when you mean "elusive". "Delusive" describes something misleading, while "elusive" describes something difficult to find, catch, or achieve. For example, an idea can be "delusive", while a criminal can be "elusive".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "delusive" functions primarily to modify nouns, describing them as misleading, deceptive, or creating a false impression. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies something that produces delusions or is inappropriate for reality. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying "dream", "images", and "color".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "delusive" is an adjective used to describe something misleading or deceptive. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and commonly used in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to differentiate it from similar-sounding words like "elusive". Common alternatives include "misleading", "deceptive", and "illusory". The term's primary function is to highlight discrepancies between appearance and reality, with a neutral to formal register. Therefore, understanding its nuanced meaning and usage patterns will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misleading

Focuses on the act of leading someone astray, often unintentionally.

deceptive

Implies an intention to mislead or trick.

illusory

Describes something that appears real but is not.

fallacious

Highlights the presence of a logical flaw or error.

false

A general term for something that is not true.

specious

Appears to be true but is actually false.

chimerical

Wildly fanciful or imaginative.

deceitful

Characterized by the act of deceiving.

unfounded

Lacking a solid basis or foundation.

misleadingly

The adverb form, focusing on the manner of misleading.

FAQs

How can I use "delusive" in a sentence?

"Delusive" is used to describe something that gives a false or misleading impression. For instance, "The promise of quick riches proved "delusive", leading many to financial ruin."

What words can I use instead of "delusive"?

Alternatives to "delusive" include "misleading", "deceptive", or "illusory depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey".

What's the difference between "delusive" and "deceptive"?

"Delusive" generally refers to something that creates a false impression, while "deceptive" implies an intent to mislead or trick. A mirage is "delusive", while a con artist is "deceptive".

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "delusive"?

While you can use "delusive" to describe a person's beliefs or perceptions, it's more common to use words like "self-"deceptive"" or "deluded" to describe a person directly.