Guise
/ɡaɪz/
Definitions
An outward appearance or form that conceals the true nature of something.
/ɡaɪz/
An outward appearance that conceals the true nature of something.
Under the guise of friendship, he plotted to betray her.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone wearing a costume or pretending to be something they're not. That costume or act is their 'guise'. Think of a superhero using a secret identity!
👶 For kids: A disguise; pretending to be something you're not.
More Examples
The charity event was a success, held under the guise of a gala.
She hid her true feelings under a guise of indifference.
How It's Used
"The wolf, in the guise of a friendly sheep, lured the flock into the forest."
"The bill was passed under the guise of economic reform, but its real aim was to benefit a few powerful companies."
Idioms & expressions
in the guise of
Presenting something while masking its true nature or purpose; under the appearance of.
"The charity event was held in the guise of a fundraising gala."
From Middle English *gise*, from Old French *guise* ("way, manner, fashion, form"), from Frankish *wīsa* (“way, manner”), from Proto-Germanic *wīsō* (“way, manner”), from Proto-Indo-European *weys- (“to turn, to wind”).
Historically used to refer to various forms, shapes, and appearances, evolving to imply deceit or concealment in modern usage.
Memory tip
Think of a disguised spy. They use a different guise to hide who they really are.