sham
|sham|
B2
/ʃæm/
falsehood
Etymology
Etymology Information
'sham' originates from English, specifically the word 'shame,' where 'shame' meant 'a painful feeling of humiliation or distress.'
Historical Evolution
'shame' transformed into the English word 'sham,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sham' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a feeling of disgrace,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a falsehood or deception.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a thing that is not what it is purported to be; a falsehood or deception.
The whole thing was a sham.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to falsely present something as the truth.
He shammed illness to avoid work.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45