noun

dissimulation

dih-sim-yuh-LAY-shun/dɪˌsɪmjuˈleɪʃn/

Hiding one's true feelings or intentions.

The cheerful mask represents dissimulation of the person's visible sadness.

Black adult holds cheerful theatrical mask beside visibly sad face, hiding feelings.

Etymology

disLatinnot, opposite of

+simulLatinmake like, imitate

+ationLatinaction or process

Combining “opposite of” with “make like” produced the idea of making something appear other than it is. Applied to feelings or intentions, this means concealing reality beneath a contrary appearance.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain29:08

practice dissimulation and you will succeed whether to concentrate or to divide your troops must be decided by circumstances

Ancient China: The Art of War (Audiobook)

More examples

He uses dissimulation to hide his disappointment about the decision.
Despite her skill at dissimulation, her voice reveals her anger.
The mediator asks for honesty rather than dissimulation.

Forms

dissimulation

dissimulate verb — To hide true feelings or intentions.

Similar words

concealment: Broader term for hiding information, objects, feelings, or intentions.
pretense: Emphasizes a false appearance rather than merely withholding feelings.