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deceitful

adjective

/dɪˈsit fəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of deceitful

Inclined to deceive or mislead others.
"His deceitful words were intended to manipulate and control others."

Detailed meaning of deceitful

It suggests a deliberate intention to trick, manipulate, or withhold the truth for personal gain or advantage. When something or someone is deceitful, there is a lack of honesty, transparency, or trustworthiness in their actions, words, or intentions. It implies a tendency to engage in dishonesty, falsehood, or cunning behavior in order to achieve a desired outcome or to conceal one's true motives. Deceitful actions or individuals often employ strategies of deception, such as lying, concealing information, or using manipulative tactics to exploit or deceive others for their own benefit. The adjective "deceitful" implies a breach of trust and a departure from moral or ethical principles, highlighting the need for caution and skepticism when dealing with such individuals or situations.

Example sentences containing deceitful

1. She discovered that her so-called friend had been deceitful all along.
2. The politician's deceitful promises led to a loss of public trust.
3. He used deceitful tactics to gain an unfair advantage in the competition.
4. The salesman's deceitful tactics resulted in many dissatisfied customers.
5. The deceitful employee was eventually caught stealing from the company.
6. It was clear that he had a deceitful agenda from the start.

History and etymology of deceitful

The adjective 'deceitful' is directly related to the noun 'deceit' and shares its etymological origins. It is formed by adding the suffix '-ful' to 'deceit,' creating 'deceitful.' As previously explained, 'deceit' has its roots in Old English and Old French, originally meaning 'to deceive' or 'to cheat.' When the suffix '-ful' is added to 'deceit,' it conveys the idea of being inclined to deceive or mislead others, emphasizing the quality or characteristic of engaging in acts of deceit. The etymology of 'deceitful' underscores its historical connection to the practice of deception and dishonesty, highlighting its role in describing individuals or actions that are characterized by a tendency to deceive or mislead others intentionally.

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Further usage examples of deceitful

1. The deceitful advertising misled consumers into purchasing a subpar product.
2. She couldn't believe her partner's deceitful actions behind her back.
3. The deceitful contractor cut corners and delivered shoddy workmanship.
4. The deceitful scheme unraveled when evidence of the fraud came to light.
5. Trust was broken due to the deceitful behavior of the team leader.
6. Her deceitful actions shattered trust within the team.
7. The deceitful salesman manipulated customers with false promises.
8. He uncovered her deceitful scheme to embezzle funds.
9. The deceitful tactics used in the election raised eyebrows.
10. The novel's protagonist was known for his deceitful nature.
11. The deceitful emails were phishing attempts to steal data.
12. Their deceitful behavior damaged their reputation.
13. The deceitful plot of the movie kept viewers guessing.
14. He was caught in a web of deceitful lies.
15. The deceitful disguise fooled no one for long.
16. The deceitful scheme was exposed by a vigilant whistleblower.
17. Deceitful politicians erode public trust in government.
18. The deceitful con artist targeted vulnerable individuals.
19. A deceitful smile hid her true intentions.
20. His deceitful nature made it hard to discern his motives.
21. The deceitful message lured recipients into a scam.
22. The deceitful tactics of the scam artist preyed on the gullible.
23. The deceitful plot twist shocked the audience.
24. The deceitful act of plagiarism resulted in severe consequences.
25. Deceitful actions often lead to legal repercussions.