How Do You Spell DECOY?

Pronunciation: [dˈiːkɔ͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "decoy" (/dɪˈkɔɪ/) is spelled with a "c" and not a "k" despite the similar sound in pronunciation. The reason for this spelling can be traced back to its origin in the Dutch word "eendenkooi," which means "duck cage." It was then adopted into the English language, where the "c" replaced the "k" to conform with English spelling conventions. A decoy is an object or device used to lure or entice something, often used in hunting or trapping.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
Basic Check Advanced Check

DECOY Meaning and Definition

  1. A decoy is a strategy or device used to mislead or deceive others, typically by diverting their attention or attracting them towards a particular direction, action, or target. It refers to an object, person, or action specifically designed to entice or lure someone or something, often with the intention of trapping, catching, or deterring them. Decoys are frequently employed in various fields such as hunting, military operations, marketing, and law enforcement.

    In hunting, a decoy is an artificial representation of an animal that aims to attract other creatures, often of the same species, towards a specific location. This technique is commonly employed to facilitate hunting or observation. Similarly, a decoy in military operations entails the deployment of fake troops or equipment in order to deceive the enemy, hinder their strategic planning, or divert their forces away from the actual target.

    Additionally, the term "decoy" can also denote a person or entity employed to elicit specific reactions, responses, or behaviors from others. This form of deception is often practiced in investigations, espionage, or undercover operations, where an individual might pose as a target or collaborator to gather intelligence or evidence.

    Overall, the concept of a decoy revolves around the strategic use of diversion and deception, employing various methods and means to manipulate the perceptions and expectations of others.

  2. • To entrap by any means which may deceive; to lure into a net or snare; to entice.
    • Anything intended to lead into a snare; anything that may lead into evil, danger, or the power of an enemy; a place for catching wild fowls.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DECOY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DECOY

Etymology of DECOY

The word "decoy" originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Dutch word "eendenkooi". The Dutch term later evolved into "de coi" or "decoy", which translates to "duck cage" or "duck trap". In the context of hunting, a "decoy" originally referred to a cage or trap used to catch or lure ducks. Over time, the term expanded to include the practice of using imitation or artificial objects to attract or distract animals, particularly in hunting or fishing. The concept of deception or trickery associated with decoys further broadened its usage in different contexts, such as military tactics or criminal activities.

Similar spelling words for DECOY

Plural form of DECOY is DECOYS

Conjugate verb Decoy

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have decoyed
you would have decoyed
he/she/it would have decoyed
we would have decoyed
they would have decoyed
I would have decoy
you would have decoy
he/she/it would have decoy
we would have decoy
they would have decoy

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been decoying
you would have been decoying
he/she/it would have been decoying
we would have been decoying
they would have been decoying

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would decoy
you would decoy
he/she/it would decoy
we would decoy
they would decoy

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be decoying
you would be decoying
he/she/it would be decoying
we would be decoying
they would be decoying
I

FUTURE

I will decoy
you will decoy
he/she/it will decoy
we will decoy
they will decoy

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be decoying
you will be decoying
he/she/it will be decoying
we will be decoying
they will be decoying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have decoyed
you will have decoyed
he/she/it will have decoyed
we will have decoyed
they will have decoyed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been decoying
you will have been decoying
he/she/it will have been decoying
we will have been decoying
they will have been decoying

IMPERATIVE

you decoy
we let´s decoy

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to decoy

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was decoying
you were decoying
he/she/it was decoying
we were decoying
they were decoying

PAST PARTICIPLE

decoyed

PAST PERFECT

I had decoyed
you had decoyed
he/she/it had decoyed
we had decoyed
they had decoyed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been decoying
you had been decoying
he/she/it had been decoying
we had been decoying
they had been decoying

PRESENT

I decoy
you decoy
he/she/it decoys
we decoy
they decoy

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am decoying
you are decoying
he/she/it is decoying
we are decoying
they are decoying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

decoying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have decoyed
you have decoyed
he/she/it has decoyed
we have decoyed
they have decoyed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been decoying
you have been decoying
he/she/it has been decoying
we have been decoying
they have been decoying

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it decoy

SIMPLE PAST

I decoyed
you decoyed
he/she/it decoyed
we decoyed
they decoyed

Infographic

Correct spelling for decoy
Add the infographic to your website: