con
B2Informal, sometimes slang
Definition
Meaning
To deceive or trick someone, often for personal gain.
A dishonest scheme or trick; also used as a prefix meaning 'against' or 'opposite' (e.g., contradict), and as a noun for the negative side of an argument (pros and cons).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb meaning 'to deceive', it is informal and often implies a calculated, manipulative act. As a noun (the deception or the person who deceives), it is also informal. The prefix 'con-' and the noun in 'pros and cons' are formal/neutral.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'con' similarly for deception. The noun 'con' (short for 'convict') is slightly more common in AmE. The phrase 'con artist' is standard in both, but 'con man' might be slightly more frequent in BrE.
Connotations
Strongly negative when referring to deception. Neutral in the context of 'pros and cons'.
Frequency
The deceptive meaning is moderately common in informal speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
con someone (out of something)be conned into doing somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a con artist”
- “pros and cons”
- “on the con”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare in formal business writing, except in 'pros and cons'. May appear in warnings about fraud.
Academic
Almost exclusively as the prefix 'con-' or in 'pros and cons'.
Everyday
Common in informal contexts to describe scams or persuasive tricks.
Technical
Not typical, except in linguistics for the prefix.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was conned into buying a fake watch.
- They conned the old lady out of her life savings.
American English
- She felt conned by the car salesman's promises.
- The email was just an attempt to con people.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- It was a classic con trick.
- He gave a con smile.
American English
- She's facing con artist charges.
- The email had all the signs of a con job.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The list has pros and cons.
- He is not a good friend. He is a con man.
- I think she conned me. The phone doesn't work.
- Let's discuss the pros and cons of moving house.
- The elaborate con involved fake websites and stolen identities.
- The politician was accused of conning the public with false statistics.
- The investigation revealed a sophisticated international con operation targeting investors.
- Her argument was rhetorically powerful but ultimately based on a series of logical cons.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CONfidence trick' – the first three letters are the word itself.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A GAME (e.g., 'run a con', 'pull a con').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'с кон' (from horse).
- Do not translate the prefix 'con-' in words like 'construct' (строить). It's not a separate word.
- The noun in 'pros and cons' translates as 'минусы' or 'против'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'con' in formal writing to mean 'deceive'.
- Misspelling as 'conn' when used as a verb (correct: conned, conning).
- Confusing 'con' (deceive) with 'con' (short for conference).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'con' MOST formal?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When meaning 'to deceive', it is informal/slang. As a prefix or in 'pros and cons', it is neutral/formal.
They are very similar. 'Con' often emphasises the interpersonal trickery and persuasion, while 'scam' can refer to the dishonest scheme itself, especially online or via phone.
Yes, it can mean the act of deceiving ('it was all a con'), the person who does it ('he's a con'), or the negative point ('the cons outweigh the pros').
It is a late 19th-century abbreviation of 'confidence' as in 'confidence trick' (a trick involving gaining someone's trust).