illusory

/i'lu:səri/

Thân thiện

The child reaches for the illusory butterfly.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Based on or having the nature of an illusion; deceptive or unreal: Something that is "illusory" appears to be true or real but is actually false or not based in reality. It describes a perception, hope, or promise that is misleading.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage:

  • The promise of quick wealth from the scheme was illusory. (The promise seemed real but was deceptive and false.)
  • He finally realized that his sense of security was illusory. (His feeling of safety was not based on a real, stable situation.)

• In Specific Contexts:

  • Hopes and Promises: Often used to describe hopes or promises that are not attainable.

    • After the interview, her illusive hopes of getting the job faded. (Her hopes were based on an unrealistic perception.)
  • Perceptions and Appearances: Used to describe things that seem one way but are another.

    • The calm surface of the water created an illusory sense of safety. (The appearance of calm was misleading about the actual danger.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Illusory correlation": A cognitive bias where people perceive a relationship between two variables even when none exists.
  • Believing that a black cat causes bad luck is an example of an illusory correlation.
• "Illusory superiority": A condition where individuals overestimate their own qualities and abilities compared to others.
  • The study on illusory superiority showed most drivers believed they were above average.

Variants and Related Words

• Illusion (n): A false idea or belief; something that deceives the senses or mind.
  • The magician created the illusion of a floating ball.
• Illusional (adj): Pertaining to or of the nature of an illusion. (Less common than "illusory".)
• Illusiveness (n): The quality of being illusory; elusiveness.

Synonyms

• Deceptive: Misleading, giving a false impression.
• Unreal: Not real or actual; imaginary.
• Chimerical: Hoped for but illusory and impossible to achieve.
• Mirage: Something that appears real but is not.

Antonyms

• Real: Actually existing as a thing or occurring in fact.
• Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
• Substantial: Of considerable importance, size, or worth; real and tangible.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "An illusory goal": A target or objective that is based on a false perception and is likely unattainable.
  • Chasing perfect happiness can sometimes be an illusory goal.
• "Live under an illusion": To believe something that is not true. (While not using "illusory" directly, it relates to the core concept.)
  • He was living under the illusion that his job was secure.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. based on or having the nature of an illusion
   • illusive hopes of finding a better job
   • Secret activities offer presidents the alluring but often illusory promise that they can achieve foreign policy goals without the bothersome debate and open decision that are staples of democracy

Từ đồng nghĩa

• illusive