Dissembling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dissembling
[dɪsˈɛmblɪŋ ]
Definitions
deceiving others
Dissembling refers to the act of concealing one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs. It often involves creating a false appearance to mislead others, typically in order to gain some advantage or avoid scrutiny.
Synonyms
deceit, dissimulation, masking, pretending.
Examples of usage
- She was dissembling her intentions during the negotiation.
- He was known for dissembling his emotions to appear stronger.
- The spy was adept at dissembling his true identity.
hiding feelings
To dissemble can also mean to hide or disguise one's true feelings or desires. This may be done to fit in with social expectations or to avoid conflict.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He dissembled his disappointment with a smile.
- She tried to dissemble her excitement over the news.
- Despite her efforts in dissembling, it was clear she was upset.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often use dissembling to hide their true motives, adding layers of intrigue.
- Famous works like 'The Great Gatsby' explore dissembling through characters who mask their true identities to achieve social status.
Psychology
- Dissembling can be a defense mechanism, where individuals hide their real thoughts or emotions to protect themselves from vulnerability.
- Studies show that people often dissemble to align more closely with societal expectations or to fit in with certain groups.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV often showcases dissembling, as contestants may hide their true feelings to avoid conflict or gain an advantage.
- In many spy films, characters are skilled in dissembling, creating false personas to accomplish secret missions.
Political History
- Political leaders frequently use dissembling to sway public opinion, crafting speeches that mask their true intentions.
- Throughout history, dissembling has been utilized by figures seeking to maintain power, often leading to complex narratives and misdirection.
Origin of 'dissembling'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'dessembler', meaning 'to conceal' or 'to disguise'.
- Its roots trace back to the Latin 'dissimulare', implying to hide what is true or to disguise feelings.
The term 'dissembling' originates from the Latin word 'dissimulare', which means 'to feign, pretend, or disguise'. It made its way into Middle English via Old French, where it was used to describe the act of concealing one's true intentions or feelings. Over time, the meaning has remained relatively consistent, retaining the connotation of deception and falsehood. The use of the word in literature and rhetoric often implies a deeper layer of manipulation and the complexity of human interactions. In contemporary usage, dissembling is frequently associated with contexts of politics, negotiation, and personal relationships, where individuals may feel compelled to hide their true selves in favor of social acceptance or strategic advantage. The evolution of the word mirrors the ongoing complexities in human communication and the nuances of trust and honesty.