Feigned: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone shows an emotion or reaction that is not sincere or real. Often used in literature or formal contexts.

• She feigned surprise when they threw her a birthday party.
• He feigned concern for her wellbeing.

Used in contexts where a person or system mimics a process or situation, often in scientific, technical, or formal settings.

• The pilot had to simulate an emergency landing during the training.
• They simulate customer scenarios for training purposes.

Used when describing something that is not real, authentic, or genuine. This word often has a negative connotation.

• He bought a fake Rolex from the street market.
• She gave a fake smile when she received the news.

Used when someone is acting or making believe something that is not true, often in informal or everyday situations.

• The children pretended to be pirates.
• I pretend to be asleep when my parents check on me.

Used when someone is pretending or giving a false appearance, often to deceive or achieve a specific purpose.

• She feigned illness to avoid going to school
• He offered a feigned smile to hide his true feelings

Often used when describing creating something false or making up a lie, with a stronger negative connotation than 'concoct'.

• The suspect tried to fabricate an alibi to evade arrest
• She fabricated a story about missing her flight

Used when someone creates something new or makes up a story. It can be either positive or neutral, depending on the context.

• Thomas Edison invented the light bulb
• He tends to invent amazing stories about his adventures

Commonly used to describe creating or making up a story, plan, or mixture, especially with the implication of hasty or imaginative effort.

• They concocted a brilliant plan to surprise their friend
• The chef managed to concoct a new dish using the leftovers

Usually used when someone pretends to have a feeling or condition that they do not actually have. It can often be used in social situations or literature when someone is pretending for a specific reason.

• She feigned surprise when they announced her as the winner
• He feigned illness to get out of work

Commonly used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the imitation of a process or system, often with the help of technology. It can also refer to pretending in a more neutral or positive sense.

• The flight simulator helps pilots to practice
• They used a model to simulate the effects of the new drug

Often used in more formal or literary contexts when someone is hiding their true intentions or feelings. It suggests a deliberate attempt to deceive.

• She tried to dissemble her true feelings about the proposal
• The politician dissembled when asked about his ties to the scandal

Typically used when discussing fake objects, especially money or documents. It generally has a strong negative connotation due to its association with illegal activities.

• The criminals were caught with counterfeit money
• He was arrested for selling counterfeit passports