veneer
- 01 C1 Advanced
n.a way of behaving that makes you seem polite or happy when you are actually angry or mean.
n.a superficial appearance or display that masks the true nature of a person, situation, or institution.
Simple“Under his veneer of politeness, he was actually very angry about the decision.”
In context“The city's veneer of prosperity was quickly stripped away during the economic crisis, revealing deep-seated social inequalities.”
- 02 C2 Proficiency
v.to cover a piece of furniture with a thin layer of decorative wood.
v.to overlay a surface with a thin layer of fine material. Transitive verb requiring a direct object.
Simple“They decided to veneer the old table rather than buying a new one.”
In context“The manufacturer chose to veneer the particle-board panels with cherry wood to appeal to more discerning customers.”
“The US has, I read, “ entered the age of veneer regret ”, with people rueing their decision to drop big money on massive, gleaming, Hollywood teeth.”
“Inevitably, behind the arrogant veneer, Monroe is another “sad, lonely and pathetic” individual.”
From German Furnier, from furnieren (“to inlay, cover with a veneer”), from French fournir (“to furnish, accomplish”), from Middle French fornir, from Old French fornir, furnir (“to furnish”), from Old Frankish frumjan (“to provide”), from Proto-Germanic *frumjaną (“to further, promote”). Cognate with Old High German frumjan, frummen (“to accomplish, execute, provide”), Old English fremian (“to promote, perform”). More at furnish.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.