dissimulate

[ dih-sim-yuh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·sim·u·lat·ed, dis·sim·u·lat·ing.

1. to disguise or conceal under a false appearance; dissemble:

   to dissimulate one's true feelings about a rival.

verb (used without object)

, dis·sim·u·lat·ed, dis·sim·u·lat·ing.

1. to conceal one's true motives, thoughts, etc., by some pretense; speak or act hypocritically.

dissimulate

/ dɪˈsɪmjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to conceal (one's real feelings) by pretence

Derived Forms

• disˈsimuˌlator, noun
• disˌsimuˈlation, noun
• disˈsimulative, adjective

Other Words From

• dis·simu·lative adjective
• dis·simu·lator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissimulate¹

First recorded in 1525–35, dissimulate is from the Latin word dissimulātus (past participle of dissimulāre to feign). See dis- ¹, simulate

Example Sentences

He was moved by the abuses of the Roman Church, and he was much too sincere to dissimulate publicly what he confessed privately.

From Project Gutenberg

This is, then, what Bond artifice effected in the absence of actual cause and in order to dissimulate its own nefarious objects.

From Project Gutenberg

He sought to dissimulate with her, but at last he confessed, 'I was truly this morning the victim of a sorcery.'

From Project Gutenberg

This archbishop has a lively genius, artful and supple, which can flatter and dissimulate, if ever any could.

From Project Gutenberg

The Indian looked at him for some moments with an astonishment that he did not seek to dissimulate.

From Project Gutenberg