disguise
B2Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To change the appearance, sound, or smell of something or someone in order to prevent recognition.
To conceal the true nature or feelings of something; to present something in a false or misleading way.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Functions as both a verb (the action) and a noun (the means or instance of disguising).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling, pronunciation, or usage differences.
Connotations
Consistently neutral to slightly negative, implying deception.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
disguise sb/sth (as sb/sth)disguise the fact that...disguise + NP (e.g., his anger, her voice)be disguised as...in disguiseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a blessing in disguise”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to hiding financial realities, e.g., 'The report disguised the company's true losses.'
Academic
Used to discuss literary or historical deception, e.g., 'The author's political views are thinly disguised in the allegory.'
Everyday
Most common for costumes or hiding feelings, e.g., 'He disguised himself with a wig and glasses.'
Technical
In computing/security, refers to masking data or code; in biology, refers to animal camouflage.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He tried to disguise his regional accent during the interview.
- The building was cleverly disguised as a rustic barn.
American English
- She couldn't disguise her disappointment at the news.
- The software disguises your IP address.
adverb
British English
- He spoke disguisingly, altering his usual tone.
- The data was presented disguisingly.
American English
- She smiled disguisingly, hiding her true intent.
- The changes were made disguisingly within the document.
adjective
British English
- She made a disguised entrance through the service lift.
- The threat was thinly disguised.
American English
- He took a disguised route home to avoid followers.
- Her compliment was a disguised insult.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children wore funny disguises for the party.
- The spy had a good disguise.
- She disguised her voice on the phone.
- He went to the event in disguise.
- They disguised the surveillance camera as a smoke alarm.
- Her cheerful manner disguised a deep anxiety.
- The policy change was a thinly disguised attempt to cut costs.
- Beneath its poetic disguise, the text is a fierce political critique.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS-GUISE. A 'guise' is an outward appearance. To 'dis-guise' is to take away or change that outward appearance.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A COVERING (e.g., a cloak, a mask, a veil). TRUTH IS VISIBLE / FALSEHOOD IS HIDDEN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'pretend' (притворяться). Disguise is about altering *appearance* to hide identity. 'Pretend' is about feigning a state or emotion.
- The noun 'disguise' (маскировка, грим) is not the same as 'costume' (костюм).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'She disguised to be a waiter.' Correct: 'She disguised herself as a waiter.' or 'She was disguised as a waiter.'
- Incorrect: 'His kindness was just a disguise.' (Possible but vague; better: '...a disguise for his cruelty.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the idiom 'a blessing in disguise'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While it involves deception, it can be neutral (e.g., a Halloween disguise) or positive (e.g., disguising medicine in food for a child).
Yes, commonly. You can disguise your feelings (anger, disappointment), the truth, or intentions.
A 'costume' is worn for performance or fun (e.g., theatre, carnival). A 'disguise' is specifically intended to conceal one's identity. A costume can be used as a disguise, but not all costumes are disguises.
Primarily, but it can be extended. 'The detective was in disguise.' It can also be used metaphorically: 'The test was a lesson in disguise.'