Learn English – what is the verb for giving false promises one is unlikely to fulfill

vocabularyword-choice

say I want something from someone and I promise to give him something in return when I actually don't have it, what's the appropriate verb to use in that case?

Best Answer

While saying something that isn't true is to lie, in your case you are asking for something more specific.

Deceive:

transitive verb

4 : to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid · deceiving customers about the condition of the cars · bluffing at poker in order to deceive the other players

intransitive verb

: to make someone believe something that is not true : to practice deceit; also : to give a false impression · appearances can deceive

Her parents punished her for trying to deceive them.
He was accused of deceiving the customer about the condition of the car.

Here, the lie is part of a greater deception so that you can get something you want.

Related Topic