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illusory

Adjective

IPA /ɪˈluːsəri/

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Meaning in plain English

Seeming real or achievable when it is not.

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Pronunciation

illusory/ɪˈluːsəri/

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An improvement seems real
A closer check reveals no improvement

An illusory benefit appears to exist but does not.

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The calm was illusory; another argument started minutes later.
The study showed that the apparent improvement was illusory.

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The calm was ________; another argument started minutes later.

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illusory — Seeming real or achievable when it is not.

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Seeming real or achievable when it is not.

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Word origin

From Latin illusorius, related to illudere, meaning to mock or deceive.

Did you know?

Illusory benefits, freedom and security describe things that seem to exist but do not.

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