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

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