dissimulate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “dissimulate” mean?
To conceal or disguise one's true thoughts, feelings, or intentions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To conceal or disguise one's true thoughts, feelings, or intentions.
To engage in deliberate deception by presenting a false appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British formal/literary contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes sophistication, duplicity, or psychological complexity. Often used in political or psychological analysis.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both dialects. More likely to be encountered in written texts (literature, academic prose) than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “dissimulate” in a Sentence
[Subject] dissimulates[Subject] dissimulates + [Emotion/Intention] (e.g., dissimulate his rage)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dissimulate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was a diplomat well-practised in the art of dissimulating his irritation.
- Throughout the interview, she dissimulated her profound anxiety with a calm smile.
American English
- The politician dissimulated his true intentions during the debate.
- It's unhealthy to constantly dissimulate your feelings from your family.
adverb
British English
- The adverb 'dissimulatively' is virtually non-existent.
American English
- The adverb 'dissimulatively' is virtually non-existent.
adjective
British English
- The adjective 'dissimulative' is extremely rare. Do not use.
American English
- The adjective 'dissimulative' is extremely rare. Do not use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe concealing a negotiating position or true feelings about a deal.
Academic
Used in political science, psychology, and literary criticism to analyse deceptive behaviour.
Everyday
Extremely rare. 'Pretend' or 'hide' are used instead.
Technical
Used in psychiatry/psychology to describe a pathological presentation of false symptoms.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dissimulate”
- Using it to mean 'to dilute' or 'to dissipate'.
- Confusing it with 'simulate'.
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Simulate' means to pretend to have or feel something you do not (e.g., simulate illness). 'Dissimulate' means to pretend to NOT have or feel something you actually do (e.g., dissimulate fear).
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. In everyday speech, people use 'hide', 'pretend', or 'cover up'.
It is almost exclusively used for conscious agents (people, organisations, governments) concealing thoughts, feelings, or intentions.
Yes, 'dissimulation' is the standard noun (e.g., 'an act of dissimulation').
To conceal or disguise one's true thoughts, feelings, or intentions.
Dissimulate is usually formal, literary in register.
Dissimulate: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈsɪmjʊleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈsɪmjəˌleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Wear a mask”
- “Play a part”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DIS-simulate' as the opposite of 'SIMulate'. To simulate is to pretend to *have* a feeling; to dissimulate is to pretend to *not have* a feeling you actually do have.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONS/INTENTIONS ARE OBJECTS TO BE HIDDEN; SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'dissimulate' in a formal context?