Dissembled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissembled

[dษชหˆsษ›m.bษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

deception

To dissemble means to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs under a faรงade. It is often associated with deceit or misrepresentation. This word can imply a deliberate intention to mislead or create a false impression. When someone dissembles, they may be trying to manipulate a situation or the perceptions of others. Dissembling can usually involve a level of sophistication in the act of deception.

Synonyms

disguise, feign, mask, pretend.

Examples of usage

  • He dissembled his feelings of anger.
  • She dissembled her true intentions during the negotiation.
  • Even though he dissembled, his body language gave him away.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often dissemble to conceal their true motives, a common theme in Shakespeareโ€™s work.
  • The concept of dissembling is frequently explored in psychological thrillers, where characters hide their ambitions and fears.
  • Popular novels like 'The Great Gatsby' examine the dissembling of identity and social status among the characters.

Psychology

  • Dissembling is a form of emotional deception, where individuals may present a false persona to avoid vulnerability.
  • Psychologists study dissembling as it relates to social interactions and how trust is built or broken.
  • Itโ€™s closely linked to concepts like impression management, where people alter their behavior based on social context.

Pop Culture

  • Dissembling is a common trope in films and television shows, often seen in political dramas where characters manipulate public perceptions.
  • Reality TV often showcases dissembling, as contestants might hide their true strategies to win.
  • Famous movies, like 'Gone Girl', prominently feature characters who dissemble, making suspense and surprise central to the plot.

History

  • Throughout history, politicians have been known to dissemble in speeches to gain favor or manipulate public opinion.
  • Historical figures like Machiavelli discussed the importance of appearances, often recommending dissembling as a political strategy.
  • Dissembling has appeared in significant events for tactical advantages, such as during wars or negotiations.

Origin of 'dissembled'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Dissembled' comes from the Latin word 'dissimulare,' which means to conceal or hide away.
  • The prefix 'dis-' suggests a removal or negation, while 'semble' is related to 'semble' meaning to appear or to show.
  • In English, it started being used around the late 14th century in the context of hiding one's true thoughts.

The word 'dissemble' originates from the Latin term 'dissimulare', which means 'to feign or disguise'. This is a combination of the prefix 'dis-' (indicating negation) and 'simulare' (to simulate or pretend). The word made its way into Middle English through the Old French 'dessembler'. Over time, its meaning has evolved to emphasize the act of hiding one's true intentions or feelings, making it a staple in discussions of character and morality. The historical context of the word often refers to a moral or ethical dilemma, where an individual may choose to dissemble to achieve a desirable outcome or to avoid confrontation. This history illustrates the complex nature of human interactions where truth and deception frequently coexist.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,477 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.