What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dissemble
Example
He dissembled his true intentions by pretending to be interested in her work. [dissembled: verb]
Example
The politician dissembled his true beliefs to gain the support of the voters. [dissembling: gerund or present participle]
feign
Example
She feigned interest in his stories to be polite. [feigned: verb]
Example
He feigned illness to avoid going to school. [feigning: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Feign is more commonly used than dissemble in everyday language. Feign is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dissemble is less common and typically associated with formal or serious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dissemble and feign?
Dissemble is more formal than feign and is often used in serious or professional contexts, such as politics or business. Feign can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
