dissimulate
UK: dɪˈsɪmjʊleɪt | US: dɪˈsɪmjəleɪt
vt. to conceal or disguise (one's thoughts, feelings, or character) under a false appearance
vi. to hide the truth; to pretend
dissimulate = dis<away/opposite> + simul<same> + ate<verb suffix>
- dis: Latin prefix meaning "apart" or "opposite," here implying concealment or negation.
- simul: From Latin simulare ("to make similar, imitate"), derived from similis ("like, same").
- ate: Verb-forming suffix indicating action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin dissimulare ("to disguise, hide"), combining dis- (negation) + simulare (to imitate). It reflects the act of deliberately making one's true feelings or intentions appear unlike their actual state—a logical opposite of "simulate" (to imitate). Over time, it evolved in English (16th century) to specifically denote deceptive pretense.
Politicians often dissimulate their true intentions during debates.
She smiled warmly, dissimulating her anger.
The spy dissimulated his identity to avoid detection.
Children may dissimulate guilt by avoiding eye contact.
His calm demeanor dissimulated the panic he felt inside.