Dissemble   (pronounced dih-sem-bul) verb


Definition
to conceal or disguise under a false appearance; to conceal one's true motives, feelings, nature, etc. under a pretense.

Main Example

  • During an appearance on NBC's "Today" show to discuss macular degeneration, Lauren Bacall named a certain drug as having helped one of her friends suffering from that particular eye disease. According to CBS News, the famous actress dissembled when she mentioned that treatment in a seemingly offhand manner. Unbeknownst to NBC and its viewers, Ms. Bacall had been paid by that drug's manufacturer to push the product.

    Workplace Examples

  • If you really want to know what's going on in shipping, I suggest you talk to Bill. He is one guy who will tell it like it is. He will not dissemble or simply tell you what you want to hear.

  • Yes, I too am pretty cynical about these politicians' promises. Seems like so many of them are nothing more than dissemblers and hypocrites. I don't know what--or whom--to believe!

    Other Examples

  • in its latest annual report, a company dissembling its poor performance and so-so outlook with jazzy pictures and sensational descriptions of the research being done in its labs

  • someone dissembling his or her malice for another person under a show of concern for their health and well being

  • during their Senate confirmation hearings, a U.S. president's cabinet and judicial nominees likely to dissemble when their motivations and past actions come under scrutiny

  • DaimlerChrysler Chairman Juergen Schrempp dissembling when, in 1998 as he was wooing Chrysler, he said the American company "will be an equal partner if it merges with Daimler-Benz AG" -- in an interview last year, Mr. Schrempp admitted that he had hidden his true intentions of making Chrysler a mere unit (which it has now been reduced to) so that its management would accept his offer

    © 2002 V.J. Singal

    This Month's Other Words

    Fillip
    Indefatigable
    Dearth
    Irksome
    Milieu
    Coalesce
    Acrimonious and Acrimony

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