Dissimulate: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when someone tries to hide or conceal their true feelings, motives, or thoughts, often to deceive others. It has a more formal tone and often carries a negative connotation.

• She tried to dissimulate her nervousness during the interview.
• He could not dissimulate his true intentions for long.

Pretend is the most commonly used word among these synonyms and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It means acting like something is true when it is not, without necessarily implying any deceitful intent.

• The children pretended to be pirates during the play.
• He pretended he knew the answer even though he didn't.

Feign is used when someone is pretending or giving a false impression of a feeling, state, or injury. It also tends to have a negative connotation and is used more in literary or formal contexts.

• She feigned surprise when she saw the birthday party.
• He feigned an illness to avoid going to school.

Simulate is used in contexts where someone deliberately imitates or reproduces characteristics or behavior, often for scientific or practical purposes rather than deceit. It has a neutral connotation.

• The pilot had to simulate an emergency landing during training.
• Researchers simulate environmental conditions to study climate change.

This word is often used when someone is hiding their emotions or intentions behind a figurative mask. It can refer to both physical and emotional concealment and has a neutral to slightly negative tone depending on the context.

• He tried to mask his disappointment with a smile.
• She wore a mask of confidence, though she was very nervous inside.

Used when someone is hiding their true feelings or intentions. Often has a negative connotation.

• He tried to dissimulate his anxiety during the meeting

Used when something is being hidden from view or knowledge, typically something that could be discovered.

• She tried to conceal the broken vase from her parents

Used in a general sense when someone or something is put out of sight or kept secret.

• The cat likes to hide under the bed during thunderstorms

Used when someone is changing their appearance to look like someone or something else, usually to prevent recognition.

• He wore a hat and sunglasses to disguise himself

Used when something is made to look like its surroundings to avoid detection, often in a military or natural context.

• The soldiers used branches and leaves to camouflage their positions in the forest