masquerade
masquerade Lexical Profile
masquerade Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A false show, pretense, or deceptive outward appearance intended to conceal the truth.
"Everyone at the negotiation table knew that his polite concern was merely a masquerade."
A social gathering or formal ball where guests wear masks and elaborate costumes.
"The historical society hosted a traditional Venetian masquerade to raise funds for the museum."
• verb
To pretend to be someone or something that one is not, especially in order to deceive others.
"The fraudulent email was designed to masquerade as an official notice from the bank."
To take part in a costume ball or wear a disguise.
"During the annual festival, townspeople masquerade in colorful folkloric attire."
• Rhymes for masquerade
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from French masquerade, from Italian mascherata, derived from maschera ('mask'), which likely traces back to Arabic maskharah ('buffoon' or 'mockery').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.