guise
- 01 C1 Advanced
the way someone or something looks or seems on the outside.
an external appearance, manner, or dress; the way in which something is presented to the world.
Simple“The story was published in the guise of a children's book, but it was actually for adults.”
In context“The tax was introduced under the guise of an environmental protection measure, though its primary function was to reduce the national deficit.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'under the guise of' or 'in the guise of'.
Teacher's tipThis word is almost always used to suggest that the appearance is temporary or deceptive, even if it doesn't explicitly mean 'a lie'.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
a false appearance used to hide the truth.
a misleading or deceptive outward appearance; a 'cloak' used to hide one's true motives or identity.
Simple“The spy entered the country in the guise of a humble traveling salesman.”
In context“He managed to gain access to the private archives under the guise of a visiting researcher from a prestigious university.”
Teacher's tipRemind students that 'guise' is etymologically related to 'disguise', which helps them remember the element of deception.
“Both women had a decided preference for open, honest enemies over ‘concealed enemies’ in the guise of friends.”
“The records have added fuel to the concerns of civil rights groups , who have argued that the federal government was criminalizing lawful protest activity under the guise of targeting leftwing “terrorism”.”