disimular
Lemma Details
Translation: to conceal; to hide; to disguise; to dissemble; to feign; to pretend not to notice
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'dissimulare' (to hide, conceal, disguise), formed from 'dis-' (apart, away) and 'simulare' (to imitate, copy, represent). The English cognate is 'dissimulate', though it's less commonly used than 'disimular' is in Spanish. Both derive from the same Latin root that gives us words like 'simulate', 'similar', and 'resemblance'. While English speakers might reach for words like 'conceal' or 'disguise', 'disimular' carries a nuance of pretending something isn't there or pretending not to notice something obvious.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Intentó disimular su nerviosismo durante la entrevista.
He tried to conceal his nervousness during the interview.
Ella disimula muy bien el dolor que siente.
She hides the pain she feels very well.
Disimulé que no sabía la respuesta.
I pretended that I didn't know the answer.
Disimula tu sorpresa cuando lo veas.
Hide your surprise when you see him.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'dis-similar' – making something appear different from what it really is.
- Remember 'dissimulate' in English, which means the same thing but is less common.
- Think of 'simular' (to simulate) with 'dis-' meaning to do the opposite – to hide rather than show.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'disimular' is often used in social contexts where politeness or saving face is important. It can describe the act of hiding one's true feelings or pretending not to notice something embarrassing to avoid making someone uncomfortable.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Disimular' means to hide or conceal something that exists, while 'simular' means to pretend something exists when it doesn't.
Confused word:
Simulaba estar enfermo para no ir a trabajar.
He pretended to be sick to avoid going to work.
Notes: Both verbs involve deception, but in opposite directions: 'disimular' hides reality, while 'simular' creates a false reality.
Mnemonic: 'Dis-' in 'disimular' means to do the opposite of 'simular' (simulate) – to hide rather than fake.
Explanation: 'Disimular' means to conceal or hide, while 'estimular' means to stimulate or encourage.
This word:
No pudo disimular su disgusto ante la noticia.
He couldn't hide his displeasure at the news.
Confused word:
El profesor intenta estimular la creatividad de sus alumnos.
The teacher tries to stimulate his students' creativity.
Notes: The 'e' in 'estimular' can remind you of 'encourage', while the 'di' in 'disimular' can remind you of 'disguise'.
Mnemonic: 'Estimular' connects to 'stimulate' in English, while 'disimular' is about hiding or concealing.