What does dissimulated mean?
"Dissimulated" is the past tense and past participle of the formal verb "dissimulate," which means to conceal one's true feelings, intentions, or character beneath a false outward appearance. Someone who dissimulates is not necessarily lying outright; rather, they mask or disguise what they really think or feel, presenting a surface that does not match their inner reality. The word derives from Latin simulare, "to make like or feign," combined with the prefix dis-, giving it a long pedigree in English dating back several centuries. It appears most often in literary, historical, and diplomatic writing, where nuance about deception matters: courtiers dissimulated ambition, spies dissimulated their identities, and grieving characters dissimulated sorrow. Because it is relatively rare in casual conversation, using it lends writing a precise, slightly elevated tone. Its close cousin "dissemble" covers much the same ground, though "dissimulate" more strongly emphasizes hiding something true rather than inventing something false.
verb (past tense and past participle of 'dissimulate')Concealed one's true feelings, motives, or nature under a false appearance; pretended or disguised the truth of something.
- (of a person) concealed one's true feelings, thoughts, or motives behind a false exterior.
- (of a thing or quality) was disguised or kept hidden so as not to be apparent.
"She dissimulated her disappointment behind a warm smile."
"Throughout the negotiation he dissimulated his eagerness, appearing indifferent to the outcome."
"Her cheerfulness dissimulated a deep anxiety about the future."
From Latin simulare, "to make like" — dissimulating literally means making yourself unlike what you really are.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dissimulated
"Dissimulated" comes from Latin dissimulare, formed from dis- (expressing reversal or removal) plus simulare, "to make like, feign," itself from similis, "like, similar." The verb entered English in the early modern period, by the 16th century, retaining its Latin sense of disguising or concealing one's real nature. It shares this root with a wide family of words built on similarity and imitation, including simulate, simultaneous, assimilate, and resemble's relatives such as similar.
Related word forms
How dissimulated is actually used
Formal and literary in register; rare in everyday speech, where speakers prefer "hid," "covered up," or "disguised." Often carries a suggestion of deliberate deception or self-control. The verb is usually used transitively ("she dissimulated her fear") but can be intransitive ("he was adept at dissimulating").
Easily confused with dissimulated
"Simulated" means made to imitate or reproduce something (often for practice or effect), while "dissimulated" means concealed or hidden behind a false appearance.
"Dissembled" is a near-synonym meaning to hide one's true feelings or to behave hypocritically; it differs in origin and spelling but overlaps heavily in meaning with "dissimulated."