dissembler
|dis-sem-bler|
🇺🇸
/dɪˈsɛmblər/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈsɛmblə/
(dissemble)
conceal true motives
Etymology
'dissembler' originates from English, formed from the verb 'dissemble' + agent suffix '-er'.
'dissemble' came into English from Old French (e.g. 'dissimuler' / 'desembler'), ultimately from Latin 'dissimulo' (from 'dis-' + 'simulo'). Over time the English verb produced the agent noun 'dissembler'.
Initially related to 'making unlike' or 'to conceal' in Latin and Old French, it evolved into the modern sense of deliberately hiding one's true feelings or intentions; 'dissembler' therefore came to mean 'one who conceals or deceives'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who conceals or disguises their true motives, feelings, or beliefs; a deceiver or hypocrite.
He was a consummate dissembler, smiling politely while plotting to take over the company.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/08 08:43