Basic Details
Word: Dissemble
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To hide one's true feelings, thoughts, or intentions, often by pretending or lying.
Synonyms: Conceal, disguise, feign
Antonyms: Reveal, disclose, show
Idioms and Phrases
- Dissemble the truth: To hide the reality of a situation. Example: "He tried to dissemble the truth about his late arrival, but his friends knew he was lying."
- Wearing a mask: Pretending to be someone or something you are not. Example: "In her new job, she felt like she was wearing a mask, dissembling her true feelings of insecurity."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She decided to dissemble her excitement about the surprise party until her birthday arrived.
Example 2: The politician was accused of trying to dissemble his true intentions regarding the new policy.
Example 3: He often dissembled his disappointment with a smile, making it hard for anyone to notice.
Fun Fact
The word "dissemble" comes from the Latin word "dissimulare," which means "to disguise" or "to hide." It has been in use since the late Middle Ages to describe a lack of honesty or transparency.
Famous Quote
"It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not." Andr Gide
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "dissemble" mean?
a) To reveal one's feelings
b) To hide one's true feelings
c) To be honest
d) To tell a story
Answer: b) To hide one's true feelings
2. Which of these is a synonym of "dissemble"?
a) Reveal
b) Disguise
c) Show
d) Expose
Answer: b) Disguise
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "dissemble"?
a) Conceal
b) Reveal
c) Feign
d) Pretend
Answer: b) Reveal
4. Which sentence correctly uses "dissemble"?
a) She dissemble her surprise by smiling brightly.
b) He decided to dissemble his feelings instead of being honest.
c) They dissemble the truth by asking a lot of questions.
d) Everyone dissemble their answers in the quiz.
Answer: b) He decided to dissemble his feelings instead of being honest.
5. What does "wearing a mask" imply in the context of dissembling?
a) Being happy
b) Pretending to be someone else
c) Hiding from the truth
d) Telling the truth
Answer: b) Pretending to be someone else
