Misleading
/ˌmɪsˈliːdɪŋ/
Definitions
Tending to give a wrong idea or impression; causing someone to believe something that is not true.
/ˌmɪsˈliːdɪŋ/
Giving the wrong idea or impression; deceptive.
The advertisement was considered misleading and was taken off the air.
💡 Simply: Imagine a sign that tells you one thing, but the reality is the opposite. Like, a restaurant's ad showing a huge burger but the real one is tiny! That's misleading.
👶 For kids: When something makes you think something is true, but it's not.
More Examples
He gave a misleading answer, trying to avoid the real question.
The initial data provided a misleading impression of the severity of the problem.
How It's Used
"The company was accused of misleading advertising."
"The journalist was criticized for presenting a misleading account of the events."
"The initial data proved to be misleading, necessitating further experiments."
Idioms & expressions
misleading information
Information that is likely to cause someone to believe something that is not true.
"The government issued a statement that contained misleading information about the economy."
to be led astray
To be guided into doing something wrong or bad; to be misled or deceived.
"He was led astray by his friends and started getting into trouble."
From "mis-," meaning "wrongly," and "leading," from the Old English word "lædan," meaning "to lead." The term suggests guiding someone to an incorrect conclusion.
The word "misleading" has been used in English since the 17th century, initially in the context of leading someone into a false belief or action.
Memory tip
Think of a road sign pointing in the wrong direction; it misleads you.
Word Origin
"to guide, direct"