deceptively

[ dih-sep-tiv-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that tends to mislead or give a false impression:

   This game is played with such deceptively simple materials, yet is so interestingly complex!

   Some of these harmful foods are deceptively marketed as "healthy" by giant food corporations.

2. in a way that is perceptually misleading:

   If only a segment of sky is visible, the bands of Earth’s shadow and the Belt of Venus appear deceptively parallel.

Other Words From

• non·de·cep·tive·ly adverb
• un·de·cep·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of deceptively¹

First recorded in 1810–20; deceptive ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Related Words

• ably
• adroitly
• artfully
• carefully
• cleverly
• coolly
• deftly
• deliberately
• intelligently
• judiciously
• keenly
• knowingly
• skillfully
• slyly
• smartly