What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dissembling
Example
She was dissembling her true emotions during the meeting. [dissembling: verb]
Example
His dissembling smile made it hard to tell what he was really thinking. [dissembling: adjective]
deceit
Example
He used deceit to get what he wanted. [deceit: noun]
Example
She was deceitful in her dealings with her colleagues. [deceitful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deceit is more commonly used than dissembling in everyday language. Deceit is a strong word that carries a negative connotation, while dissembling is less common and can sometimes be seen as a necessary social skill.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dissembling and deceit?
Deceit is typically associated with a more formal tone, while dissembling is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.