dissemblance

¹ American  

[dih-sem-bluhns] / dɪˈsɛm bləns /

noun

1. dissimilarity; unlikeness.

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dissemblance ² American  

[dih-sem-bluhns] / dɪˈsɛm bləns /

noun

1. dissembling; dissimulation.

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Etymology

Origin of dissemblance¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Middle French word dessemblance. See dis- ¹, semblance

Origin of dissemblance²

First recorded in 1550–60; dissemble + -ance

Example Sentences

Diana’s story is, for better and worse, the ultimate proof that glamour is not the same as happiness; indeed, it is an art of dissemblance.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2021

For “The Water Diviner,” his muddled directorial debut about love in the time of war and dissemblance, Russell Crowe wanted to go full David Lean while nodding at Peter Weir’s “Gallipoli.”

From New York Times • Apr. 23, 2015

If it were our Barker who sat there his dissemblance was remarkable.

From Ghosts I Have Met and Some Others by Bangs, John Kendrick

The incomparable treachery of Pontiac in endeavoring to secure the Fort by dissemblance of friendship was further evidenced by his pretence at a truce.

From The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 13 by Rudd, John

As this latter animal is quite one-third head, he has no very great dissemblance to the alligator in this particular.

From The Sea Lions The Lost Sealers by Cooper, James Fenimore