dissemble — to hide one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to give a false appearance
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to hide one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to give a false appearance
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈsembəl/
Example Sentences
- When caught eating the last piece of cake, Tom tried to dissemble by blaming the cat.
- The spy had to dissemble her true identity at the fancy dinner party.
- She couldn't dissemble her excitement when she saw the surprise birthday party.
dissemble
VERB[/dɪˈsembəl/]
to hide one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to give a false appearance
The suspect tries to dissemble, hiding his guilt behind a calm, innocent smile.
They dissemble with smiles that resemble joy, but their hands tremble.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin dissimulare, combining dis- (opposite/away) and simulare (to pretend or simulate). The word entered English in the 16th century with the meaning of concealing one's true thoughts or feelings.
Breakdown
dis- (opposite/away) + sembl(e) (appear/seem, from Latin simulare) + -e (verb infinitive) = dissemble (to hide one's true nature or pretend)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When caught eating the last piece of cake, Tom tried to dissemble by blaming the cat.”
“The spy had to dissemble her true identity at the fancy dinner party.”
“She couldn't dissemble her excitement when she saw the surprise birthday party.”
“The student tried to dissemble his ignorance by nodding wisely during the philosophy lecture.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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