dissimulator
/di'simjuleitə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who hides their true feelings, beliefs, or intentions by presenting a false appearance or expressing opinions they do not genuinely hold.
Usage
The word "dissimulator" is a formal noun used to describe a person who engages in the act of dissimulation, which is the concealment of one's true thoughts or character. It often carries a negative connotation, implying deceit, hypocrisy, or a lack of sincerity. It is typically used in contexts discussing psychology, ethics, politics, or literature.
Examples
- The politician was accused of being a dissimulator, saying whatever the audience wanted to hear.
- In the play, the character is a master dissimulator, hiding his vengeful plans behind a mask of friendship.
- She felt she was surrounded by dissimulators who praised her to her face but criticized her behind her back.
Advanced Usage
- In Psychology: The term can relate to concepts of self-presentation and social masking, where a dissimulator might hide anxiety or discomfort to conform to social expectations.
- In Literature: A classic dissimulator is often a villain or an anti-hero whose deceptive nature drives the plot, such as Iago in Shakespeare's .
Variants and Related Words
- Dissimulate (verb): To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs.
- He was able to dissimulate his anger with a calm smile.
- Dissimulation (noun): The act or an instance of dissimulating; deception by pretence.
- Her dissimulation was so convincing that no one suspected the truth.
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
- Frank person
- Candid individual
- Sincere person
- Truth-teller
Idioms and Phrases
- To wear a mask: This idiom describes behavior similar to a dissimulator, meaning to hide one's true nature or feelings.
- In the corporate world, he felt he had to wear a mask and be a dissimulator to get ahead.
Noun
- 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