deluded
UK[dɪˈluːdɪd]US[dɪˈluːdɪd]
adj
Believing things that are not true, especially in a way that is not based on reality
verb (past tense and past participle of delude)
To make someone believe something that is not true
Morpheme Breakdown
de
lude
d
de
away, off
lude
play
d
past tense suffix
Etymology
The word 'deluded' originates from the Latin verb deludere, meaning "to play false, to mock, to deceive." This verb itself is a compound of the prefix de- ("away, off") and ludere ("to play"). The core semantic logic is that of playing a game or tricking someone away from the truth. Over time, the sense of playful mockery evolved into the more serious modern meaning of causing someone to hold a persistent false belief. The past participle form 'deluded' functions as an adjective describing the state of having been misled in this manner.
Analysis
Structure: de (away, off) + lude (play) + d (past tense suffix)
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "away, off, down, completely." It often indicates reversal or removal.
- lude: From the Latin root ludere, meaning "to play." It is a direct substring of the English spelling.
- d: A common English suffix indicating the past tense and past participle form of a regular verb.
Examples
He was deluded into thinking he could get rich with no effort.
The cult leader preyed upon the deluded followers.
She is sadly deluded about her chances of success.