adv
deceptively
dih-SEHP-tihv-lee
adv
1
In a way that creates a false impression — often used to mean something is actually different from how it looks.
"The hike looked easy on the map, but it was deceptively steep."
"The recipe is deceptively simple, needing only three ingredients."
How to Use Deceptively
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to point out that the true nature of something is hidden by its surface appearance.
Common mistake
"Deceptively simple" can mean either "looks simple but isn't" or "looks complex but is actually simple" — context decides which, so use it carefully to avoid ambiguity.
Common pairings
deceptively simple
deceptively difficult
deceptively calm
Word Forms
more deceptively comparative, most deceptively superlative
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The hike looked easy on the map, but it was _____ steep.
Etymology
From "deceptive" + "-ly."