What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guise
Example
He appeared in the guise of a friendly neighbor, but he was actually a spy. [guise: noun]
Example
She presented her argument in the guise of a persuasive speech. [guise: noun]
disguise
Example
The thief disguised himself as a delivery man to gain access to the building. [disguised: past tense verb]
Example
She wore a wig and glasses to disguise herself from her ex-boyfriend. [disguise: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disguise is more commonly used than guise in everyday language. Disguise is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while guise is less common and refers to a more specific aspect of appearance or presentation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between guise and disguise?
Guise is typically associated with a formal or literary tone, while disguise is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.