dissemble

What does “dissemble” mean?

verb.to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts involving deception, politics, or interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the deliberate act of misrepresentation. It implies a deeper level of deceit than simply lying, suggesting a calculated effort to hide one's true intentions or feelings, which distinguishes it from related words like "lie" or "mislead" that may not carry the same connotation of intentional disguise.

Common Confusions

Dissemble implies a calculated effort to hide one's true intentions, while deceive usually suggests a broader act of misleading others without the specific connotation of intentional disguise.

Example Sentences

• The spy was trained to dissemble and hide all emotion.

• He began to dissemble when questioned about the missing files.

Word Parts: How to Remember “dissemble”

Break “dissemble” into its parts: di- (apart, away). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: di- apart, away (Latin)