Feign
Verb
Definition: To pretend to have or be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury).
Definition: To invent or create (a story, excuse, etc.).
Synonyms: Pretend, Fake, Simulate
Antonyms: Express, Display, Exhibit
Examples:
- She feigned illness to avoid going to work.
- The witness feigned ignorance of the crime.
Mnemonics:
- "Feign" sounds like "fake" which can help remember its meaning as pretending or faking something.
- Imagine a person wearing a feigned facial expression to simulate a specific emotion or feeling.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English "feinen", from Old French "feindre", from Latin "fingere" (to shape, form, pretend).
Historical Usage:The word "feign" has been used since Middle English and has retained its meaning of pretending or faking.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Feign ignorance"
Explanation:To pretend that one does not know or is unaware of something.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing "feign" with "faint".
Explanation:Though the words are similar in spelling, "feign" means pretending, while "faint" means to lose consciousness or to become weak or dizzy.