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Masqueraded: meaning, definitions and examples

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masqueraded

 

[ ˌmΓ¦skΙ™ΛˆreΙͺd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

disguise, act

To masquerade means to wear a disguise or to pretend to be someone else. This term is often used in the context of parties or celebrations where masks are worn to conceal one's identity. Additionally, it can also refer to behaving in a way that is not true to oneself, often for the sake of social acceptance.

Synonyms

conceal, disguise, feign, pretend.

Examples of usage

  • She masqueraded as a cat for the Halloween party.
  • The spy masqueraded as a tourist to gather information.
  • He felt he had to masquerade his true feelings around his peers.

Etymology

The word 'masquerade' originates from the Middle French 'mascarade', which refers to a masked ball or festival. This term is derived from the Italian 'mascherata', which comes from 'maschera', meaning mask. The tradition of masquerading dates back to the 15th century, particularly during the Carnival season, where people would wear masks and costumes to enjoy festivities free from social constraints. Over time, 'masquerade' expanded in usage to encompass not just the act of wearing a mask, but also the act of deceptive behavior or pretending in various social situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,644, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.