masking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “masking” mean?
The action of covering or concealing something to hide or protect it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of covering or concealing something to hide or protect it.
The process of obscuring or suppressing one thing so that another can be perceived or measured; in psychology, hiding one's true feelings or personality; in electronics, using a pattern to block parts of a circuit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Spelling and core meaning are identical. Some technical fields (e.g., automotive) may use 'masking tape' more frequently in the US, but the term is standard in both.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Slightly more common in technical/medical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “masking” in a Sentence
masking of [noun]masking by [noun]masking for [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “masking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was masking his accent during the call.
- The trees were masking the view of the lake.
American English
- She's masking her frustration pretty well.
- The loud music masked the sound of the door opening.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a pure adverb; typically part of a compound adjective like 'masking-tape')
American English
- (Rarely used as a pure adverb; typically part of a compound adjective like 'masking-tape')
adjective
British English
- The masking tape left no residue on the window frame.
- They observed a strong masking effect in the experiment.
American English
- Use a masking agent for the odor before painting.
- The report discussed masking requirements for data privacy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The company used financial engineering for earnings masking, smoothing out quarterly results."
Academic
"The study examined the role of auditory masking in speech perception."
Everyday
"She was masking her disappointment with a bright smile."
Technical
"Apply masking fluid to the areas you want to protect from the wash."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “masking”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “masking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “masking”
- Using 'masking' for simple hiding of objects (use 'hiding' instead).
- Confusing 'masking' (process) with 'mask' (object).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Masking can be neutral or positive, like masking a bitter taste in medicine or masking ambient noise in an office for privacy.
'Camouflage' specifically refers to visual concealment, often in nature or military contexts. 'Masking' is broader, covering any sensory concealment (sound, smell, emotion) and is used heavily in technical fields.
Typically, 'masking' implies a degree of agency or a functional process. An unintentional cover-up would more likely be described as 'obscuring' or 'blocking'.
It spans registers. In everyday talk, it's formal ('masking her anger'). In technical fields like psychology, acoustics, or electronics, it's standard terminology.
The action of covering or concealing something to hide or protect it.
Masking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːskɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæskɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Masking one's intentions”
- “A mask of indifference”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **mask** you wear on your face: MASKING is the act of putting on that mask to hide or change your appearance.
Conceptual Metaphor
REALITY IS A SURFACE (that can be painted over); EMOTIONS ARE FLUIDS (that can be contained).
Practice
Quiz
In a psychology context, what does 'masking' most commonly refer to?