delusory

adjective

de·​lu·​so·​ry di-ˈlü-sə-rē How to pronounce delusory (audio)
-zə-,
dē-

Examples of delusory in a Sentence

the delusory notion that wealth invariably brings happiness

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "false, deceitful," borrowed from Medieval Latin dēlūsōrius "deceptive, illusory," from Latin dēlūdere "to deceive, dupe" + -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor — more at delude

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delusory was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near delusory

Cite this Entry

“Delusory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delusory. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

delusory

adjective
de·​lu·​so·​ry di-ˈlü-sə-rē How to pronounce delusory (audio)
-zə-
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