Feigned

/ˈfeɪnd/ verb

Definition

Pretended to feel or do something when you don't actually feel or do it.

Etymology

From Old French 'feindre' meaning 'to pretend or shirk,' from Latin 'fingere' meaning 'to shape, fashion, or imagine.' The sense evolved from creating something false to pretending emotion.

Kelly Says

Poker players study 'feigned' tells—the difference between someone actually pretending their hand is good versus someone pretending to pretend—which is why tells at professional tables are incredibly subtle.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.