feign
Translation
to pretend, to simulate, to fake
Examples
She feigned surprise at the news.
She feigned surprise at the news.
He feigned illness to avoid going to work.
He feigned illness to avoid going to work.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to pretend to have a particular feeling or illness She feigned ignorance when I asked her.
Similar Words
Synonyms: pretend, fake, simulate, affect
Etymology
From Old French 'feindre' meaning 'to pretend, hesitate'. Related to the word 'fiction'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'feign' and 'fake' – they sound similar and have a similar meaning of not being real.