Word of the Day: Dupe
What's the story
"Dupe" (verb) means to trick, mislead, or fool someone into believing something untrue. It's often used when someone is taken advantage of or persuaded without realizing it. Let's take a closer look at this interesting and useful word.
Origin
Origin of the word
The word "dupe" comes from the French term duppe, which referred to the hoopoe bird, once believed to be foolish. Over time, the word evolved in English to describe someone who is deceived, misled, or easily tricked.
Synonyms
Synonyms for 'dupe'
Some common synonyms include deceive, trick, fool, mislead, con, and hoodwink. Each highlights the idea of causing someone to believe something false or fall for a dishonest act without noticing it at the moment.
Usage
Sentence usage
Here's how "dupe" can be used in sentences: "She was 'duped' into signing the fake contract." "Scammers often 'dupe' people with convincing messages." "He felt embarrassed after being 'duped' by the prank."
Writing
Why use the wordÂ
"Dupe" is direct and impactful, helping you show moments where someone is fooled or taken in. It clearly captures trickery without being too harsh, making it useful for everyday situations, warnings, and storytelling alike.