Which word can mean 'to deceive' and also 'a person who is easily deceived'?

• A. Dupe
• B. Elegy
• C. Eloquent
• D. Engender

Answer: (A)

This item tests the idea that some words function as more than one part of speech with related but distinct meanings. The word that means to deceive as a verb is also used as a noun to describe a person who is easily deceived.

Dupe fits both senses. As a verb, to dupe someone is to trick or mislead them, as in “The salesman tried to dupe the customer with a fake warranty.” As a noun, a dupe is a person who is easily fooled, the kind of person who can be taken in by a trick.

The other options don’t cover both meanings. An elegy is a mournful poem; eloquent describes smooth, persuasive speaking; engender means to cause or produce. None of these carry both the deception sense and the noun for a person who is deceived.