What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bluff
Example
He tried to bluff his way out of trouble by pretending he knew what he was doing. [bluff: verb]
Example
The poker player made a successful bluff, causing his opponents to fold. [bluff: noun]
ruse
Example
She used a ruse to gain access to the restricted area without anyone suspecting her. [ruse: noun]
Example
The magician's performance was full of clever ruses that left the audience amazed. [ruses: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bluff is more commonly used than ruse in everyday language, especially in the context of poker or situations where confidence is important. Ruse is less common but can be used in various situations where clever deception or diversion is involved.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bluff and ruse?
Both bluff and ruse can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bluff may have a slightly more informal connotation due to its association with poker and casual deception, while ruse can be seen as a more strategic and calculated term.
