dissemble

Dissemble is a verb meaning to conceal one’s true feelings, motives, or beliefs by presenting a false or misleading appearance. It implies deliberate pretense rather than accidental misrepresentation and is often used in formal or literary contexts.

Etymology and related terms: The word derives from Old French dessimuler, meaning to hide or conceal, from des- “not” + simuler “to pretend.” English adopts dissemble from that source in the early modern period. Related terms include dissimulate, dissemblance, and dissimulation, all connected with concealing truth or presenting a false front.

Usage: Dissemble is commonly applied to emotions, opinions, or plans that a person wishes to keep hidden. It can describe facial expressions, statements, or actions that mislead others. For example, one might dissembler send a calm external message while feeling anxiety inside. In political or literary writing, it is used to critique behavior that masks real motives.

Synonyms and distinctions: Synonyms include feign, pretend, mask, disguise, and misrepresent. Antonyms include reveal, disclose, and tell the truth. While similar to dissimulate, dissemble often emphasizes outward pretense and appearance, whereas dissimulate centers on concealing the truth itself.

See also: dissemblance and dissimulation are closely related nouns referring to the act or result of concealing one’s true nature or intentions; dissemblance tends to highlight outward appearance, while dissimulation emphasizes concealment of truth.