Trick

Definition

Trick is a noun referring to a cunning or skillful act designed to deceive, amuse, or achieve a specific effect. As a verb, it means to deceive or outwit someone. As an adjective (informal), it describes something designed to deceive or as a special method.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb
• Adjective (informal)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /trɪk/
• Respelling: TRIK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /trɪk/
• Respelling: TRIK

Etymology

The word "trick" originates from Old French "trique," meaning "deceit," and Medieval Latin "tricari," meaning "to shuffle or play tricks." Its roots are traced back to the Latin "tricari," meaning "to make difficulties" or "to perplex."

Derivatives

• Tricky (adjective)
• Trickery (noun)
• Trickster (noun)
• Retrick (verb, rare)
• Trickish (adjective, archaic)

Synonyms

• Deception
• Illusion
• Prank

Antonyms

• Truth
• Reality
• Honesty

Usage

The noun "trick" is used to describe an act of deceit or cleverness, as in "He played a clever trick on his friend." The verb "trick" is used to describe the act of deceiving, such as "She tricked him into revealing his plan." As an adjective, it describes something that is deceptive or designed to create an effect, as in "The magician used a trick deck."

Related Terms

• Deception: The act of misleading or deceiving someone.
• Illusion: Something that appears real but is not.
• Prank: A practical joke or mischievous act.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A cunning or skillful act designed to deceive or amuse: Refers to acts intended to mislead or entertain.
  • Example: "The magician performed an impressive trick with the cards."
• A special method or technique for achieving a goal: Refers to clever or unique solutions.
  • Example: "He knows a few tricks to make the process faster."
• A mischievous act or prank: Describes playful or harmless deception.
  • Example: "The kids played a trick on their teacher by hiding the chalk."

Verb

• To deceive or outwit someone: Refers to misleading someone deliberately.
  • Example: "She tricked him into signing the contract."

Adjective (informal)

• Designed to deceive or create a special effect: Describes something that produces an illusion or effect.
  • Example: "The trick mirror made her appear taller."