Word
feigned
US/ˈfeɪnd/
UK/fˈeɪnd/
Definition
adj. not real, only pretended. You use it for feelings or actions that someone fakes, like a smile or surprise.
adj. pretended or simulated rather than genuinely felt or meant. Typically describes expressions, emotions, or illnesses intended to deceive.
Examples
“She wears a feigned smile for the family photo.”
“He listened with feigned interest while his colleague explained the long report.”
“Despite her feigned calm during the negotiation, she noticed every shift in tone and waited for the right moment to respond.”
Examples
simple
“She wears a feigned smile for the family photo.”
contextual
“He listened with feigned interest while his colleague explained the long report.”
complex
“Despite her feigned calm during the negotiation, she noticed every shift in tone and waited for the right moment to respond.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “feigned” in context.
Verb
01. detect feigned
“The officer detected feigned ignorance in his answers.”
verb + adj
02. drop feigned
“He finally dropped feigned politeness and spoke honestly.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. barely feigned
“He listened with barely feigned patience during the lecture.”
adv + adj
Noun
04. feigned enthusiasm
“The team applauded with feigned enthusiasm for the plan.”
adj + noun
05. feigned ignorance
“He claimed feigned ignorance about the missing documents.”
adj + noun
06. feigned innocence
“The child stared back with feigned innocence after breaking the vase.”
adj + noun
07. feigned interest
“He nodded with feigned interest while she explained the rules.”
adj + noun
08. feigned smile
“He welcomed the guests with a feigned smile that faded quickly.”
adj + noun
09. feigned surprise
“She greeted the news with feigned surprise despite knowing already.”
adj + noun
10. a thinly feigned smile
“He greeted his rival with a thinly feigned smile.”
11. drop the feigned innocence
“Drop the feigned innocence and admit what you did.”
12. maintain a feigned interest
“She tried to maintain a feigned interest in the long presentation.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies, as in 'feigned interest' or 'feigned surprise'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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