English vocabulary · C1
Guise
/ɡaɪz/ · n.
A guise is an outside look that hides what is real. People see one thing, but the true person or plan stays fully hidden from view.
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Example sentences
- He entered under the guise of a worker.
- Her smile was a guise for anger.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- guise — way (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- DISGUISE — changed look that hides (Hidden Identity)
- COVER — thing that hides a reason (Hidden Truth)
- PRETENSE — act that is not true (False Show)
Words with the same root
guise — way
- disguise — hide a true identity
Lesson notes
A guise is an outside look that hides what is real. People see one thing, but the true person or plan stays fully hidden from view.
Related: disguise, cover, pretense. Use guise when an outward look hides the truth.
He entered under the guise of a worker. Her smile was a guise for anger.
From Old French. Guise means way. A false way of looking hides the truth behind it. That is guise.