In a way that tricks or misleads someone into believing something false.
From 'delusiv(e)' (adjective meaning misleading or deceptive) plus '-ly' (adverb suffix). 'Delusive' comes from Latin 'deludere' (to mock, deceive), from 'de-' (down) + 'ludere' (to play). The meaning shifted from 'play against' to 'deceive.'
This word reveals how language borrows from playfulness—'ludere' also gives us 'ludicrous' and 'allude,' all stemming from the idea of 'playing with' meaning. Deception was once imagined as a kind of game!
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