dissimulaient

Dissimulaient is the third-person plural imperfect indicative form of the French verb dissimuler. The infinitive means to conceal, disguise, or pretend, especially by hiding truth, feelings, or intentions. The imperfect tense describes ongoing or habitual past actions, so dissimulaient conveys that the subjects (they) were concealing something over a period in the past, or that concealing was a regular characteristic of their behavior.

Origin: The verb comes from Old French dissimuler, which itself derives from Latin dissimulāre meaning to feign or pretend. The noun form dissimulation is related and refers to the act or practice of concealing or feigning.

Usage notes: Dissimuler implies purposeful concealment and sometimes deception, stronger than simple hiding (cacher). It can apply to emotions, motives, facts, or actions. In narrative, it can set a scene or develop character by signaling hidden intentions or internal conflict.

Examples: Ils dissimulaient leurs véritables intentions. Elle dissimulait son embarras sous un sourire.

See also: dissimuler (infinitive), dissimulé (past participle), dissimulation (noun).