dissemble
UK[dɪˈsɛmb(ə)l]US[dɪˈsɛmb(ə)l]
v
To hide your real feelings, thoughts, or intentions by behaving in a way that is different from usual.
v
To put on a false appearance; to conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under some pretense.
Morpheme Breakdown
dis
semble
dis
apart, away
semble
seem, appear
Etymology
The word dissemble entered English in the early 15th century from the Anglo-French dissimuler, influenced by the Latin dissimulare, meaning "to disguise, conceal, hide." Its core logic is built from the prefix dis-, implying reversal or negation, and the root related to simulare (to pretend, make similar). Thus, the literal action is to "un-seem" or to reverse the appearance of truth, to make one's true feelings or motives not seem as they are. Over time, it evolved from a general sense of disguising to the more specific modern meaning of concealing one's true nature or intentions under a feigned manner.
Analysis
Structure: dis (apart, away) + semble (seem, appear)
- dis: A Latin prefix meaning "apart," "asunder," "away," or having a negative or reversing force.
- semble: From Latin simulare (to pretend, imitate, make like), via Old French sembler (to seem, appear). In English, it functions as a bound root meaning "to seem" or "to appear."
Examples
She was a very honest person, incapable of dissembling.
He dissembled his disappointment with a cheerful smile.
Politicians are often accused of dissembling when faced with difficult questions.