Feign
To pretend to have or feel something; to present a false appearance in order to deceive.
verbFeign
To pretend to have or feel something; to present a false appearance in order to deceive.
verbImagine This
A boy is showing off how he can pump his muscles to show his veins. 'That’s no vein!' cried a girl, 'you drew them with coloring markers. Stop pretending!'
Sounds Like
fayn
Looks Like
Looks like: resembles 'feint' (a deceptive move) and rhymes with 'vein', reinforcing the idea of deception.
Remember This
Feign comes from Old French feindre, from Latin fingere meaning 'to shape, form, invent' (to pretend).
Other Forms
Connect With
pretend, simulate, sham, misrepresent, counterfeit
Note
Avoid confusing feign with feint (a deceptive movement) or with sign; use with emotions, actions, or motives (feign interest, feign innocence).
Study Deeper
- She feigned illness to avoid the test.
- The suspect feigned confidence during the interview.
From Old French feindre, from Latin fingere 'to shape, form, invent'.
Mnemonic: FEIGN = FAKE IN — to feign is to fake something in or pretend.
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verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
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verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
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