illusory

/ɪˈluːsəri/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈluːsəri/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈlü-sə-rē -ˈlü-zə- -ˈlüs-, -ˈlüz-/ (ame, mw)

illusory — adjective

  • illusorypositive
  • more illusorycomparative
  • most illusorysuperlative

1. seeming to be real or true when it is actually not

1.形容詞C1
釋義

seeming to be real or true when it is actually not

例句

Fatima soon realized the job offer was illusory — the company didn't exist.

An illusory oasis shimmered on the hot sand as Qing walked on.

attributive use: illusory + noun

同義詞
  • imaginary

    broader term for things that exist only in the mind, without the suggestion of deception

  • deceptive

    emphasizes active misleading, often intentional rather than perceptual

  • chimerical

    highly formal; describes impossibly idealistic hopes or plans

反義詞
  • real

    actually existing in fact

  • genuine

    authentic and not fake

  • tangible

    able to be touched or clearly felt

用法筆記

Typically used with abstract nouns such as hope, promise, freedom, security, or wealth.

常見錯誤

❌The answer was illusory — I just couldn't find it.
✅The answer was elusive
💡I just couldn't find it.' — 'illusory' means seeming real but not actually existing; 'elusive' means hard to catch or find.