deceptively.

In a way that makes something appear different from what closer examination reveals.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• deceptively simple
• deceptively calm

On the page

The deceptively simple question required several assumptions to be made explicit.

The surface was deceptively calm while the current below remained strong.

Usage notes

Primary category: literary / elevated general. Forms: Invariable adverb; use more or most only where natural. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: description, narrative analysis, characterization, contrast. Disciplines: literary analysis, prose writing, advanced general English. Commonness: moderately common.