Words / C1

i-LOOS-uh-ree/ɪˈluːsəri/

Illusory means based on an illusion; not real, though it may seem so: illusory gains, an illusory consensus. Illusion (already in the dictionary) is the noun; genuine sits opposite. Averaging a night cohort out of the n does not create a finding.

Meaning

Not real, though it seems so; based on a false idea.

Examples

• “An illusory spare in a vision slide is not a name on the night cell.”
• “An illusory n from dropping the night slice is not a finding.”
• “Deceptive is the close twin. Imaginary is cruder. A consensus in the corridor is talk. A cell is a count. Put the nights back; then report the mean if it still holds.”

Good to know

Not real; seeming so. Noun: illusion (already in the dictionary). A dropped night ≠ a finding.

Near in meaning

deceptive, imaginary

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