bluff
Pronunciation: [blʌf]
Context: “games”
(verb) to make someone believe you are going to do something when you really aren't. It's like pretending to have a stronger hand in a card game, hoping others will think you do.
Example
She decided to bluff during the poker game, pretending she had a good hand.
Example
He wasn't able to bluff effectively and ended up losing the game.
Example
Did you think he was bluffing when he raised the bet?
Context: “deception”
(verb) to intentionally make others think you have more strength or confidence than you do. Imagine someone acting very brave, even though they feel scared inside.
Example
He tried to bluff his way through the difficult interview by acting confident.
Example
She couldn't bluff very well and showed her nervousness clearly.
Example
Why do people often bluff when they feel uncertain?
Context: “games”
(noun) a trick or act to make someone think you are good at something when you are not. In games, it's the moment when someone pretends to have a better position than they really do.
Example
Her bluff in the game made everyone fold their cards.
Example
The bluff didn't work; everyone saw through his act.
Example
What was the best bluff you ever attempted in a game?
Context: “deception”
(noun) a false attempt to mislead someone about your true situation or abilities. It's like saying you're tougher than you really are to impress others.
Example
His bravado was just a bluff; he was actually quite shy.
Example
The bluff failed to impress anyone because it was too obvious.
Example
Can you tell when someone is just putting up a bluff?