Masquerade
ˌmæs.kəˈreɪd
Definitions
3 meaningsA false show or pretense; a deceptive outward appearance.
ˌmæs.kəˈreɪd
A display of pretense or deception
The charity event was nothing more than a masquerade to launder money.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're pretending to be someone you're not. That's a masquerade! Like, if you're trying to trick people into thinking you're rich, but you're secretly broke, that's a masquerade.
👶 For kids: A pretend thing! Like when you put on a costume and pretend to be a superhero.
More Examples
Her act of kindness was just a masquerade, hiding her true, selfish intentions.
Behind the politician's promises was a masquerade of corruption.
How It's Used
"The investigation exposed the masquerade of the company's financial stability."
"Shakespeare used the masquerade as a tool for dramatic irony in his comedies."
A party or dance where people wear masks and costumes, often in disguise.
ˌmæs.kəˈreɪd
A social gathering of masked people
She was excited to attend the masquerade ball, hoping to meet someone interesting.
💡 Simply: It's like a costume party, but everyone wears masks! That way you can pretend to be someone else and maybe dance with a mysterious stranger.
👶 For kids: A party where you wear a mask and a cool outfit!
More Examples
The Venetian masquerade is famous for its elaborate costumes and masks.
The masquerade was a chance to escape the pressures of everyday life.
How It's Used
"The annual masquerade ball was the highlight of the social season."
"Masquerades were popular in European courts during the Renaissance."
To disguise oneself; to pretend to be someone or something else.
ˌmæs.kəˈreɪd
To pretend to be someone you are not
The artist masqueraded as a critic to gain access to the exclusive gallery opening.
💡 Simply: To masquerade is to pretend to be someone you're not! Imagine you wear a costume and try to trick people into thinking you're a princess – that's masquerading!
👶 For kids: To pretend to be someone different, like an actor in a play!
More Examples
The actress masqueraded as a commoner to experience life outside of Hollywood.
The company's marketing campaign was a masquerade of honesty, hiding the truth about its products.
How It's Used
"The spy masqueraded as a journalist to gather information."
"The hero masqueraded as a beggar to learn the truth."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
masquerade ball
A formal party where guests wear masks and costumes.
"They went to a masquerade ball to celebrate New Year's Eve."
under the masquerade of
to do something while pretending to be or to show something else.
"The company, under the masquerade of environmental concern, were actually trying to cut costs."
From French *mascarade*, from Italian *mascherata*, from *maschera* (mask), ultimately from Arabic *maskharah* (buffoon, jester). The word entered English in the 17th century.
The term gained popularity in the 17th century with the rise of elaborate courtly entertainment and theater. It became a key element in social gatherings and political intrigue.
Memory tip
Imagine someone wearing a mask (masquerade) to hide their true self, creating a deception.
Word Origin
"To hide with a mask, to deceive."