What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dissemble
Example
She dissembled her true feelings about the situation by smiling and nodding. [dissembled: verb]
Example
His dissembling behavior made it difficult to trust him. [dissembling: gerund or present participle]
pretend
Example
The child pretended to be a superhero, wearing a cape and mask. [pretended: verb]
Example
She pretended to be happy, even though she was feeling sad. [pretending: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pretend is more commonly used than dissemble in everyday language. Pretend is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as play, imagination, or storytelling. Whereas, dissemble is less common and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dissemble and pretend?
Dissemble is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while pretend is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
