# guise

/ˈɡaɪz/ (US) · /ɡˈaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/guise
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. outward appearance

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

the way someone or something looks or seems on the outside.

For teachers: an external appearance, manner, or dress; the way in which something is presented to the world.

- The story was published in the guise of a children's book, but it was actually for adults.
- The tax was introduced under the guise of an environmental protection measure, though its primary function was to reduce the national deficit.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'under the guise of' or 'in the guise of'.

Teaching tip: This word is almost always used to suggest that the appearance is temporary or deceptive, even if it doesn't explicitly mean 'a lie'.

### 2. a deceptive cover

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

a false appearance used to hide the truth.

For teachers: a misleading or deceptive outward appearance; a 'cloak' used to hide one's true motives or identity.

- The spy entered the country in the guise of a humble traveling salesman.
- He managed to gain access to the private archives under the guise of a visiting researcher from a prestigious university.

Teaching tip: Remind students that 'guise' is etymologically related to 'disguise', which helps them remember the element of deception.

## Examples

- He visited the office in the guise of a health inspector.
- The company introduced the new tracking software under the guise of improving employee safety.
- The dictator often spoke to the international press in the guise of a humble reformer, though his domestic policies remained as repressive as ever.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.