masquerade — a false show or pretense; a party where people wear masks
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a false show or pretense; a party where people wear masks
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmæskəreɪd/
Example Sentences
- The CEO's concern for employees was just a masquerade - he fired half the staff the next week.
- She attended the masquerade ball hoping no one would recognize her terrible dance moves.
- The spy masqueraded as a janitor to infiltrate the enemy base.
masquerade
NOUN[/ˈmæskəreɪd/]
a false show or pretense; a party where people wear masks
At the grand ball, dancers hide behind feathered masks during the masquerade.
Mask parade full of fake pretenders hiding their true selves
Behind the glittering parade lies a masquerade charade
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Spanish 'mascarada,' derived from 'máscara' (mask), which likely came from Italian 'maschera' or Arabic 'maskhara' (mockery, buffoonery). The word entered English in the 16th century through European cultural exchanges.
Breakdown
mask (from máscara) + -erade (suffix indicating a party or entertainment) = masquerade
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The CEO's concern for employees was just a masquerade - he fired half the staff the next week.”
“She attended the masquerade ball hoping no one would recognize her terrible dance moves.”
“The spy masqueraded as a janitor to infiltrate the enemy base.”
“His kindness was no masquerade - he genuinely cared about others.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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