Basic Details
Word: Feigned
Part of Speech: Verb (past tense of feign)
Meaning: To pretend or fake something; to act as if something is true when it is not.
Synonyms: Pretended, simulated, faked
Antonyms: Genuine, real, true
Idioms and Phrases
- Feigned ignorance: Pretending not to know something. Example: "When asked about the missing cookies, he feigned ignorance, even though he had eaten them."
- Feigned concern: Acting as if you care about someone or something when you actually do not. Example: "She showed feigned concern for his wellbeing, but was really just interested in his money."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She feigned a smile during the boring meeting, even though she wanted to leave.
Example 2: The boy feigned illness to avoid going to school, hoping to stay home and play video games instead.
Example 3: Despite her feigned enthusiasm for the project, everyone could tell she was uninterested.
Fun Fact
The word "feign" comes from the Old French word "feindre," which means "to shape, to form, or to pretend." This reflects how the word is often used in contexts of pretending or simulating feelings or conditions.
Famous Quote
"The most sincere form of flattery is imitation." — Victor Hugo. This relates to "feigned" as it suggests that imitating someone can be a way of pretending to be like them.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "feigned" mean?
a) To be honest
b) To pretend or fake
c) To tell the truth
d) To act naturally
Answer: b) To pretend or fake
2. Which of these is a synonym of "feigned"?
a) Genuine
b) Pretended
c) Real
d) True
Answer: b) Pretended
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "feigned"?
a) Pretended
b) Simulated
c) Genuine
d) Faked
Answer: c) Genuine
4. Which sentence correctly uses "feigned"?
a) She feigned happiness, but inside she felt sad.
b) He feigned joy at winning the competition.
c) They feigned hunger at the feast.
d) All of the above.
Answer: d) All of the above.
5. What does "feigned ignorance" mean?
a) Pretending to know everything.
b) Acting as if one does not know something.
c) Being genuinely confused.
d) Showing real interest in a subject.
Answer: b) Acting as if one does not know something.
