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guise

noun

/ɡʌɪz/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of guise

The outward appearance or manner in which something or someone is presented or perceived.
"The criminal mastermind operated under the guise of a legitimate business owner."

Detailed meaning of guise

It often implies that this appearance may be deceptive, concealing the true nature or intentions underneath. A guise can be a facade, a costume, or a pretense that is used to mask one's genuine self, intentions, or motives. For example, a person might adopt a friendly and helpful guise to gain someone's trust, even if their true intentions are less benevolent. In literature and storytelling, characters may assume different guises or disguises to achieve their goals or to navigate complex situations. The term "guise" underscores the idea that what is on the surface may not necessarily reflect what lies beneath, highlighting the potential for deception or hidden agendas.

Example sentences containing guise

1. The company's environmental efforts were just a guise to improve their public image.
2. He appeared in the guise of a friendly neighbor, but in reality, he was a thief.
3. The artist painted the portrait in the guise of a classical masterpiece.
4. The politician's proposal was nothing more than a guise for his own personal gain.
5. The actor donned a new guise for each scene of the play.
6. Under the guise of anonymity, the troll attacked innocent people on social media.

History and etymology of guise

The noun 'guise' has its origins in Old French, specifically from the word 'guise' itself. In Old French, 'guise' originally meant 'manner' or 'way.' It can be linked to the Proto-Germanic word 'wīs,' which meant 'manner' or 'way,' showing the linguistic connection between Old French and Germanic languages. The term evolved over time and found its way into Middle English as 'gise,' retaining its sense of manner or fashion. Eventually, it took on the meaning we associate with it today, referring to the outward appearance or manner in which something or someone is presented or perceived. So, the etymology of 'guise' reflects its journey through various languages and historical changes in meaning while maintaining its fundamental connection to manner or style.

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Further usage examples of guise

1. The restaurant owner changed the restaurant's name and decor in the guise of a rebranding effort.
2. The thief escaped in the guise of a police officer.
3. The comedian used the guise of humor to tackle serious social issues.
4. The entrepreneur created a new product in the guise of innovation, but it was just a copy of an existing one.
5. The spy used the guise of a tourist to gather information in a foreign country.
6. He wore a friendly guise to conceal his hidden intentions and deceive others.
7. The charity event was adorned with a festive guise, yet it served a profound purpose.
8. Her confident guise skillfully masked her underlying insecurities from others.
9. The mysterious stranger arrived under the cloak of anonymity, raising suspicion.
10. The politician's outwardly benevolent guise concealed his true, self-serving motives.
11. Her elaborate costume doubled as both a disguise and a captivating guise.
12. The company's previously unblemished ethical guise was tarnished by a major scandal.
13. To cope with personal struggles, he adopted a stoic and unflinching guise.
14. The seemingly ordinary drink held a magical potion in disguise.
15. Operating under the guise of humanitarian aid, the charity organization helped many.
16. While the party had a playful guise, it primarily served as a networking event.
17. She maintained a cheerful guise on the surface, concealing her inner turmoil.
18. The illusionist's elaborate and enigmatic guise left the audience in awe.
19. The charity cleverly operated under the guise of a humble thrift store.
20. His charming and affable guise was an essential part of his sales strategy.
21. The villain cunningly operated under the guise of respectability in society.
22. The enigmatic guise of the painting left viewers pondering its deep meaning.
23. The unmarked package arrived with a mysterious guise, arousing curiosity.
24. Behind its professional guise, the website concealed a web of fraudulent activities.
25. The company's purportedly green guise was called into question following environmental violations.