Dissemble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissemble

[dɪˈsɛmb(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in conversation

Conceal or disguise one's true feelings or beliefs. To hide one's true intentions or feelings by pretending to be someone else.

Synonyms

dissimulate, feign, pretend, simulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dissemble	Used when someone hides their true emotions, thoughts, or intentions. It implies a more deliberate and calculated effort to conceal the truth. He dissembled his happiness at the news, not wanting to make his friend jealous. She smiled, trying to dissemble her true feelings of disappointment.
pretend	Very versatile word used in various contexts to mean acting in a way that makes something appear true when it is not. Less formal than 'feign' and often used in everyday conversation. The children pretended to be superheroes. He pretended not to know about the surprise party.
feign	Used to describe pretending to feel something or to be something you are not, often to deceive someone. It can be used in both serious and playful scenarios. She feigned illness to avoid going to school. He feigned surprise, although he had already known the news.
simulate	Typically used in scientific, technical, or formal contexts to describe imitating a process or system. It does not always imply deceit, unlike the other words. The flight simulator helps pilots train by simulating real flight conditions. Scientists use models to simulate climate changes.
dissimulate	Often used in formal or literary contexts to indicate concealing one's true feelings, motives, or intentions. It tends to imply some level of deceit or hypocrisy. She tried to dissimulate her nervousness before the interview. He dissimulated his intentions behind a facade of friendliness.

Examples of usage

She tried to dissemble her disappointment with a forced smile.
He dissembled his true identity in order to gain their trust.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

formal

Disguise or conceal (a feeling or intention). To mask one's true emotions or motives in a deceptive manner.

Synonyms

camouflage, conceal, hide, mask.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dissemble	Dissemble is used when someone is hiding their true intentions or feelings. It implies deceit and a conscious effort to present oneself differently from what one genuinely is. He tried to dissemble his true motives by acting extremely kind. She could not dissemble her disappointment when she received the news.
hide	Hide is a broad term used for making something invisible or keeping it from being discovered. It is commonly used in everyday language. The child tried to hide under the bed during the game of hide and seek. She decided to hide the truth from her parents.
mask	Mask is used when someone is covering up their true feelings or identity, often to deceive or protect themselves. It carries a slight negative connotation in terms of deceit. He tried to mask his nervousness with a confident smile. The criminal masked his face to avoid being recognized.
conceal	Conceal is a general term for hiding something so that it cannot be seen or found. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts. She tried to conceal the gift until his birthday. He was accused of concealing evidence from the police.
camouflage	Camouflage is typically used in a military or natural context, where something is being hidden or made less visible by blending in with the surroundings. The soldiers used branches and leaves to camouflage their position. The chameleon camouflaged itself to avoid predators.

Examples of usage

She dissembled her fear behind a facade of confidence.
He dissembled his anger by speaking calmly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Dissembling can be a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to protect themselves from vulnerability.
Psychologists note that people often dissemble to navigate social situations, managing how they are perceived.
Cognitive dissonance plays a role; when one's beliefs do not match their actions, they may dissemble to alleviate discomfort.

Literature

Many literary characters, like Iago in Shakespeare's 'Othello', use dissembling to manipulate others.
Dissembling is often a key theme in stories involving betrayal and secrets, driving conflicts in plots.
Poets have explored the idea of dissembling in relation to authenticity, questioning what is real versus what is shown.

Pop Culture

TV shows and films often depict characters who dissemble, highlighting the tension between truth and falsehood.
Reality shows sometimes see contestants dissembling to gain strategic advantages, showcasing social dynamics.
Music lyrics frequently explore themes of dissembling, reflecting on love, identity, and self-perception.

History

Historical figures, such as politicians, have often relied on dissembling to navigate public opinion and maintain power.
In espionage, dissembling is a common tactic used by intelligence agents to protect their true intentions.
Ancient philosophers discussed the ethics of dissembling, weighing its necessity against moral integrity.

Origin of 'dissemble'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'dissimulare', which means 'to conceal or hide'.
In Old French, it evolved into 'dissimulere', which also meant to disguise or mask.
It has been used in English since the late 14th century, first appearing in texts about deception.

The word 'dissemble' originated from the Middle English word 'dissemblen', which in turn came from the Old French word 'dessembler'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The concept of dissembling has been present in various cultures throughout history, as the act of hiding one's true feelings or intentions is a common human behavior in social interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,856, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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28853 macaque
28854 serialized
28855 jaunt
28856 dissemble
28857 thoughtlessness
28858 vulgarly
28859 pedagogue
...