dissimulate

American  

[dih-sim-yuh-leyt] / dɪˈsɪm jəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

dissimulates, present (3rd person singular) dissimulated, past participle, past dissimulating present participle

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

   to dissimulate one's true feelings about a rival.

---

verb (used without object)

dissimulates, present (3rd person singular) dissimulated, past participle, past dissimulating present participle

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

dissimulate British  

/ dɪˈsɪmjʊˌleɪt /

verb

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

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• dissimulation
  noun
• dissimulator
  noun
• dissimulative
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Participles

• dissimulating
  present
• dissimulated
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• dissimulate
  simple
• dissimulates
  simple
• have dissimulated
  perfect
• has dissimulated
  perfect
• am dissimulating
  progressive
• are dissimulating
  progressive
• is dissimulating
  progressive
• have been dissimulating
  perfect progressive
• has been dissimulating
  perfect progressive

Past

• dissimulated
  simple
• had dissimulated
  perfect
• was dissimulating
  progressive
• were dissimulating
  progressive
• had been dissimulating
  perfect progressive

Future

• will dissimulate
  simple
• will have dissimulated
  perfect
• will be dissimulating
  progressive
• will have been dissimulating
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of dissimulate

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

Explanation

Your wife gave you socks for Christmas and you smiled happily and kissed her? You, my friend, know how to dissimulate — that is, cover up your true feelings. Unless you happen to really, really like socks. Sometimes confused with dissimilar, meaning "not alike", or "different," or a form of simulate, meaning "to pretend to do or feel something." Being able to dissimulate is a useful trick, not just if your wife gives you socks. After all, the whole political process depends on it. As Louis XI once said, "He who knows not how to dissimulate, can not reign." Wikipedia would probably agree with that.

Example Sentences

As a menthol analogue, it activates the cooling pathway, which helps stimulate tear production and relieve irritation.

From Science Daily • Mar. 8, 2026

There, professionally trained staff can teach children how to play, explore, and negotiate conflicts with other children - all of which helps stimulate their brains.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

The scientists believe the novelty of different fragrances helps stimulate the memory centers of human brains.

From DOGO News • Sep. 15, 2023

Peaceful protest helps stimulate change, specifically in 1964 and 1965, with the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2021

“Well, what I always find is that when you take a break and move some muscles, it helps stimulate those brain cells.”

From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee