Feign Meaning in English
word
ˈfeɪn
FAYN
fˈeɪn
FAYN
Definition
To pretend to have a feeling, condition, or injury, usually to deceive others.
Usage & Nuances
'Feign' is formal and literary; it's commonly used with feelings (feign interest), illness (feign illness), or surprise (feign surprise). Not used for physical actions—use 'pretend' for general cases. Avoid in casual conversation; use in writing or formal speech.
Spanish: fingir - simularPortuguese (BR): fingir - simularPortuguese (PT): fingir - simularChinese (Simplified): 假装 - 伪装Chinese (Traditional): 假裝 - 偽裝Hindi: बहाना करना - झूठमूठ दिखानाArabic: تظاهر (ادعاء) - افتعالBengali: ভান করা - ছল করাRussian: притворяться - симулироватьJapanese: 装う - ふりをするVietnamese: giả vờKorean: ~인 척하다 - 가장하다Turkish: numarası yapmak - taklit etmekUrdu: ظاہر کرنا - بہانہ بناناIndonesian: berpura-pura
Example Sentences
He tried to feign a headache to avoid doing his homework.
basic
She can feign interest in any topic.
basic
The boy feigned sleep when his parents came in.
basic
He didn't really care; he just feigned surprise to be polite.
natural
If you feign confidence, people might actually believe you know what you’re doing.
natural
Some animals feign death to escape predators.
natural