Word
feigning
Phoneticsfeign·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfeɪnɪŋ/
UK/fˈeɪnɪŋ/
Definition
v. to pretend to have a feeling or condition that is not real. You use it when someone acts sick, asleep, or interested without really being so.
v. to simulate a feeling, condition, or action in order to deceive; to present a false appearance as genuine.
Examples
“He is feigning illness to avoid going to work.”
“She kept feigning interest in the meeting while secretly checking messages under the table.”
“Long after the argument ended, he continued feigning indifference, though his restless hands betrayed the hurt he refused to acknowledge.”
Examples
simple
“He is feigning illness to avoid going to work.”
contextual
“She kept feigning interest in the meeting while secretly checking messages under the table.”
complex
“Long after the argument ended, he continued feigning indifference, though his restless hands betrayed the hurt he refused to acknowledge.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “feigning” in context.
Verb
01. deny feigning
“The athlete denied feigning fouls during the crucial match.”
verb + verb-ing
02. feign ignorance
“He feigned ignorance about the missing financial documents.”
verb + noun
03. feign illness
“He feigned illness to miss the crucial final examination.”
verb + noun
04. feign interest
“She feigned interest in the proposal during the long meeting.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. blatantly feign
“He blatantly feigned confidence throughout the tough job interview.”
adv + verb
06. convincingly feign
“She convincingly feigned delight when she heard the planned announcement.”
adv + verb
07. deliberately feign
“He deliberately feigned enthusiasm to avoid offending his hosts.”
adv + verb
Noun
08. accusation of feigning
“The accusation of feigning shocked the entire athletic team.”
noun + prep + verb-ing
09. act of feigning
“The act of feigning remorse did not convince the judge.”
noun + prep + verb-ing
10. be accused of feigning injury
“The striker was accused of feigning injury to win a penalty.”
11. feign ignorance to escape blame
“She feigned ignorance to escape blame for the missing files.”
12. feign illness to avoid work
“He feigned illness to avoid work after the long holiday weekend.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“In the current issue of the Journal of Clinical and Consulting Psychology, for instance, a study showed that children aged 9 to 12 were able to feign brain damage well enough to fool psychologists into diagnosing them as suffering from neurological problems.” “Mr. Bossy suggests that Bruno may have acted as a sort of double agent—a cleric who feigned the collection of intelligence for the French but was actually relaying information to the English based on what he learned from his hosts.” Synonyms
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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