The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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feign

verb

/feɪnd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of feign

To pretend or to make a false show of something, often to deceive or mislead others.
"She tried to feign enthusiasm for the project, but her lack of interest was evident."

Detailed meaning of feign

It implies the act of pretending or simulating in order to deceive or mislead. It can be used to describe the act of pretending or simulating an emotion, illness, or injury, or to describe the act of pretending or simulating interest or knowledge in something.

In everyday language, feign is often used to describe the act of pretending or making a false show of something, often to deceive or mislead others.

In acting or deception, it can refer to the act of pretending or simulating something in order to deceive or mislead others.

In general, Feign is a verb that means to pretend or to make a false show of something, often to deceive or mislead others. It implies the act of pretending or simulating in order to deceive or mislead, and can be used in different contexts such as personal, professional, or artistic situations where the act of pretending or simulating is present.

Example sentences containing feign

1. He would often feign ignorance to avoid getting involved in conflicts.
2. The actor attempted to feign happiness on stage, but his true emotions were visible.
3. She would feign surprise at the news, although she had known about it all along.
4. He tried to feign confidence during the presentation, but his shaky voice gave him away.
5. The child would feign innocence whenever caught misbehaving.
6. The politician would feign empathy for the voters, but his actions contradicted his words.

History and etymology of feign

The verb 'feign' has an etymology rooted in Old French and Latin. It evolved from the Old French word 'feindre,' which came from the Latin 'fingere,' meaning 'to shape,' 'to mold,' or 'to fashion.' In its original sense, 'feign' was used to describe the act of shaping or molding something, but it eventually took on a figurative meaning related to pretending or making a false show of something. Over time, 'feign' became associated with pretending or simulating actions, emotions, or qualities that one does not genuinely possess, often with the intention of deceiving or misleading others. The etymology of 'feign' emphasizes the idea of shaping or fashioning a false appearance, underscoring the deliberate and deceptive nature of pretending or feigning in various contexts.

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Further usage examples of feign

1. She would often feign understanding when faced with complex concepts.
2. He would feign agreement with his colleagues' ideas, even if he disagreed deep down.
3. The student tried to feign illness to skip the exam, but the teacher didn't fall for it.
4. She would feign surprise whenever someone mentioned her surprise birthday party.
5. He would often feign ignorance about his mistakes to avoid taking responsibility.
6. The actress could feign anger convincingly in her intense scenes.
7. The defendant attempted to feign innocence throughout the trial, but the evidence was overwhelming.
8. The employee would feign interest during meetings, but his lack of engagement was noticeable.
9. She would feign confidence to hide her insecurities in social situations.
10. He tried to feign happiness during the family gathering, but his sadness was evident in his eyes.
11. The suspect would feign cooperation with the police, but they were onto his game.
12. She would feign surprise at the outcome of the experiment, although she had predicted it correctly.
13. He would often feign understanding when presented with complex technical jargon.
14. She tried to feign surprise when she saw the surprise party decorations.
15. He couldn't help but feign interest in his colleague's lengthy presentation.
16. Sarah had to feign a cough to cover up her laughter during the meeting.
17. They decided to feign ignorance about the missing cookies to avoid blame.
18. Despite feeling tired, he had to feign enthusiasm at the company event.
19. She had to feign shock when her friend revealed the surprise vacation.
20. Jake had to feign calmness as he faced the unexpected test results.
21. The actor had to feign fear convincingly for the intense movie scene.
22. He had to feign happiness at the news, even though he was disappointed.
23. Lisa had to feign confidence during her nerve-wracking job interview.
24. The politician tried to feign innocence when questioned about the scandal.