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Dissimulation: meaning, definitions and examples

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dissimulation

 

[ ˌdɪsɪmjuˈleɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

Dissimulation is the act of concealing or disguising one's thoughts, feelings, or intentions. It often involves pretending to be something one is not, typically to achieve a certain goal or to avoid detection. This term is frequently used in discussions regarding honesty and deceit in social interactions.

Synonyms

concealment, deception, disguise, pretending.

Examples of usage

  • His dissimulation was evident when he pretended to agree with the plans.
  • The politician's dissimulation during the debate raised questions about his integrity.
  • Her dissimulation allowed her to hide her true emotions from her friends.

Etymology

The word 'dissimulation' originated in the late Middle Ages, deriving from the Latin term 'dissimulatio', which stems from 'dissimulare', meaning 'to feign' or 'to conceal'. The prefix 'dis-' implies a negation, while 'simulare' means 'to simulate' or 'to make similar'. The term was adopted into Middle English around the late 14th century and has since been used to describe the act of concealing one's true feelings or intentions. Over time, 'dissimulation' has evolved in its usage, often appearing in philosophical and psychological contexts concerning human behavior and the nature of truth.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,797, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.