Word
deceitful
Phoneticsde·ceit·ful, stress on the second syllable
US/dəˈsitfəɫ/
UK/dɪsˈiːtfəl/
Definition
adj. describing someone or something that is dishonest or tricks people. You use this to talk about lies or things that look one way but are actually different.
adj. characterised by dishonesty or the use of trickery to mislead others. Often used to describe people, actions, or objects that appear one way but are different in reality.
Examples
“He is a deceitful person who always lies.”
“The politician's deceitful promises during the campaign led to a loss of public trust.”
“The serpent's deceitful nature is often used as a metaphor for those who appear harmless but harbor dangerous intentions.”
Examples
simple
“He is a deceitful person who always lies.”
contextual
“The politician's deceitful promises during the campaign led to a loss of public trust.”
complex
“The serpent's deceitful nature is often used as a metaphor for those who appear harmless but harbor dangerous intentions.”
Real-World Examples
“But now, after we told her about more families coming forward, she said "it feels like this is something much bigger and more deceitful".” Etymology
From deceit + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/deceitful