dissimulation
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of dissimulation
1350–1400; Middle English dissimulacioun (< Anglo-French ) < Latin dissimulātiōn- (stem of dissimulātiō a feigning); see dis- 1, simulation
Explanation
The noun dissimulation describes the act of faking your true feelings. Your dissimulation of happiness might fool strangers but your close friends can tell it's all an act. The word dissimulation implies that the wool is being pulled over someone's eyes, or they're being fooled or tricked by someone's deceit. The origin of dissimulation is the Latin dissimulationem, which means "a disguising or concealment." Don't confuse dissimulation with dissimilation, which describes the act of making something different or less similar.
Vocabulary lists containing dissimulation
"The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe
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"The Tell-Tale Heart," Vocabulary from the short story
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"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 8–13
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In this instance, the dissimulation went both ways.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026
For the Sankara family the trial is “a chance to heal,” he said — and to establish the realities about a young leader whose story has been blurred by years of mythmaking, dissimulation and lies.
From New York Times ● Mar. 9, 2022
This attitude often implies a bit of dissimulation, in particular on the part of the group leader.
From Scientific American ● Apr. 16, 2021
Hiding, dissimulation, and other forms of deception amount to disrespect.
From Slate ● Feb. 11, 2021
Mordred went over to him with haste, with a sort of shamefaced dissimulation.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
