Dissemblance

/dɪˈsɛmbləns/ noun

Definition

The quality or practice of being deceptive or disguising one's true feelings, intentions, or character.

Etymology

From Old French 'dissemblance,' derived from 'dissembler' (to dissemble, conceal, or disguise). The root 'dis-' means 'opposite' and 'sembler' means 'to appear,' literally meaning 'to appear opposite to reality.'

Kelly Says

The word 'dissemblance' describes that uncomfortable gap between what someone shows you and what they actually feel—which is why politicians and spies have been practicing it for thousands of years.

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