Definition

Noun: A person who hides their true feelings, intentions, or beliefs by presenting a false appearance or by professing opinions they do not genuinely hold; a hypocrite or deceiver.

Usage

The word "dissembler" is a formal term used to describe someone who engages in dissemblance—the act of concealing one's true motives, character, or feelings through pretense. It implies a deliberate and often habitual deception. It is typically used in contexts discussing morality, psychology, politics, or literature.

Examples

• The politician was exposed as a dissembler who publicly championed environmental causes while privately investing in polluting industries.
• In the play, the character Iago is the ultimate dissembler, pretending loyalty to Othello while plotting his ruin.
• She saw through his flattery and recognized him for the dissembler he was.

Advanced Usage

• Literary and Rhetorical Use: The term is often employed in literary criticism and ethical discourse to analyze characters or public figures whose actions are at odds with their stated principles.
  • The author's novel explores the inner turmoil of a dissembler living a double life.

Variants and Related Words

• Dissemble (verb): To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs.
  • He chose to dissemble his anger with a calm smile.
• Dissemblance (noun): The action or an instance of dissembling; concealment of truth.
• Dissembling (noun/adjective): The practice of or characterized by deception.

Synonyms

• Hypocrite: A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that they do not actually possess.
• Deceiver: A person who causes someone to believe something that is not true.
• Pretender: A person who claims or pretends to be someone or something they are not.
• Charlatan: A person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill; a fraud.

Antonyms

• Straightforward person
• Frank individual
• Person of integrity

Idioms and Phrases

• A wolf in sheep's clothing: This idiom describes a dangerous person who pretends to be harmless, closely aligning with the concept of a dissembler.
  • Beware of his friendly advice; he may be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Noun

1. a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives