bluff

//blʌf//
B2Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of bluff

Verb

bluffInfinitive
bluffPresent tense
bluffedPast tense
bluffedPast participle
bluffingPresent participle
bluffsThird-person singular
1

To deceive someone by pretending to have strength, confidence, or abilities that one does not actually possess.

He bluffed his way through the interview by pretending to have more experience than he actually had.

2

To mislead an opponent in a card game by betting heavily on a weak hand.

He tried to bluff his way through the poker game with a pair of twos.

Noun

bluffSingular
bluffsPlural
1

An attempt to deceive someone into believing that one will do something or has something that one does not.

His threat to quit was just a bluff.

2

A steep cliff, bank, or promontory, especially one overlooking water.

We stood on the bluff and watched the waves crash against the rocks below.

Adjective

bluffCanonical form
1

Direct and good-natured in manner; frank and hearty.

He has a bluff manner that makes everyone feel at ease.

2

(Of a cliff or headland) having a broad, steep front.

The bluff cliffs rose dramatically from the sea.

Synonym

Antonym