dissemble: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “dissemble” mean?
To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs by pretending or giving a false appearance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs by pretending or giving a false appearance.
To disguise or conceal the true nature of something; to act in a deceptive manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Carries a somewhat literary or formal connotation in both varieties. It often implies a sustained, calculated act of deception rather than a single lie.
Frequency
Equally rare and formal in both British and American English, more common in written than spoken language.
Grammar
How to Use “dissemble” in a Sentence
[Subject] dissembles[Subject] dissembles [Object (e.g., emotion, motive)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dissemble” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was a master at dissembling his profound boredom during the lengthy committee hearings.
- Politicians are often accused of dissembling when pressed on difficult issues.
American English
- She didn't dissemble her disappointment well; her smile was clearly forced.
- Under oath, the witness chose to dissemble rather than admit the truth.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No common adjective form. 'Dissembling' can be a present participle adjective: 'a dissembling rogue'.
American English
- No common adjective form. 'Dissembling' can be a present participle adjective: 'her dissembling manner'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of corporate espionage or high-stakes negotiations where true intentions are hidden. 'The CEO was forced to dissemble about the company's financial troubles.'
Academic
Found in literary criticism, political science, and psychology texts analyzing character, rhetoric, or social behavior. 'Shakespeare's characters often dissemble to achieve their goals.'
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation. Might appear in discussions of personal relationships involving deceit. 'I could tell she was dissembling when she avoided my question.'
Technical
Not typically used in STEM fields; more relevant to humanities and social sciences.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dissemble”
- Confusing it with 'disassemble' (to take apart). Incorrect: 'He began to dissemble the engine.' Correct: 'He began to disassemble the engine.'
- Using it as a synonym for simple 'dislike' or 'dismiss'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Dissemble' means to conceal true feelings or motives. 'Disassemble' means to take something apart into its components. They are often confused due to similar spelling.
No, it is a C2-level, formal word. More common synonyms like 'pretend', 'feign', or 'hide' are used in everyday speech.
No, the standard noun form is 'dissembler' (a person who dissembles) or 'dissemblance' (the act of dissembling), though the latter is rare.
Typically yes, as it involves deliberate deception. However, in contexts like self-protection or politeness, it can be seen as a necessary social skill, though the word itself remains neutral.
To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs by pretending or giving a false appearance.
Dissemble is usually formal in register.
Dissemble: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈsɛmbəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈsɛmbəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DIS-SEMBLE' as putting your feelings into DIS-assembly, taking them apart and hiding the pieces, or pretending to be a 'dissembler' (one who takes things apart to conceal).
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A MASK / DECEPTION IS A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'dissemble' CORRECTLY?