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Feigned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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feigned

[feษชnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in conversation

pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury)

Synonyms

fake, pretend, simulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feigned

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.
simulate

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.
fake

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.
pretend

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.

Examples of usage

  • she feigned nervousness
  • he feigned surprise
Context #2 | Verb

in literature

invent (a story or excuse)

Synonyms

concoct, fabricate, invent.

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Word Description / Examples
feigned

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
fabricate

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
invent

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
concoct

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

Examples of usage

  • she feigned an excuse for being late
Context #3 | Verb

in acting

represent falsely

Synonyms

counterfeit, dissemble, simulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feigned

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
simulate

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
dissemble

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
counterfeit

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

Examples of usage

  • he feigned his death in the play

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often feigned emotions to manipulate others, demonstrating the complexity of human interactions.
  • Many novels feature characters who feign identity or intentions, creating suspense and intrigue in the plot.
  • The theme of feigned feelings is prevalent in romantic literature, where characters may hide their true affections for various reasons.

Psychology

  • Feigned emotions can be a survival tactic in social interactions, helping individuals navigate complex relationships or environments.
  • In psychological studies, feigned responses can provide insights into human behavior, revealing how people manipulate their emotional expressions.
  • This behavior is closely related to the concept of 'emotional intelligence,' where understanding and controlling one's feelings can be advantageous in social settings.

Pop Culture

  • In theater and film, actors often feign emotions to tell stories, drawing audiences into the characters' experiences.
  • Reality television sometimes showcases individuals feigning drama to attract attention and viewers, leading to discussions about authenticity.
  • Social media platforms can give rise to feigned lifestyles, where users portray an idealized version of their lives, often for likes and followers.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have long debated the morality of feigning emotions, questioning when it might be acceptable to deceive for social benefit.
  • Existentialist thinkers often explore the idea of authenticity versus feigning, examining how individuals navigate their true selves in a constructed reality.
  • The concept of 'bad faith' in philosophy refers to acting in bad faith by pretending to have motivations or beliefs one does not truly hold.

Origin of 'feigned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French verb 'feindre,' which means 'to feign or pretend.'
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'fingere,' meaning 'to shape or form,' highlighting how something can be shaped or made to look real.
  • The term has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, typically in contexts involving deception or imitation.

The word 'feigned' comes from the Middle English 'feinen,' which means 'to pretend.' It has roots in Old French and Latin. The concept of feigning has been present in human behavior for centuries, often used in acting, literature, and everyday interactions to deceive or create false impressions.

See also: feign, feigning.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,012, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.