Guise Meaning and Definition
Guise
Pronunciation
/ɡaɪz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A false or pretended appearance, especially one intended to deceive or impress; a disguise or a false show.
Examples
- He wore a guise of confidence to hide his nervousness.
- The company’s guise of concern for the environment was just a marketing ploy.
Synonyms
- Disguise
- Deception
- Pretense
Antonyms
- Reality
- Truth
- Authenticity
Additional Information
The word “guise” is often used to describe a false or pretended appearance, especially one intended to deceive or impress. It can also refer to a disguise or a false show. In modern usage, the word is often used in a more abstract sense, such as in the phrase “under the guise of,” which means to do something under the pretense of something else.
In literature and poetry, the word “guise” has been used to describe the masks or disguises that people wear to conceal their true identities or intentions. For example, in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” the character of Viola disguises herself as a man and assumes a new guise in order to serve the lovesick Orsino.
In everyday language, the word “guise” is often used to describe situations where people are pretending to be something they’re not. For example, someone might say, “He’s just pretending to be interested in the project, but it’s all just a guise to get ahead in the company.”
Etymology
The word “guise” comes from the Old French word “guise,” which means “manner” or “way.” It is derived from the Latin word “guisia,” which means “custom” or “habit.” The word has been used in English since the 14th century, and its meaning has evolved over time to include the sense of a false or pretended appearance.
Usage Notes
The word “guise” is often used in formal or literary contexts, but it can also be used in informal language to describe situations where people are pretending to be something they’re not. When using the word, be careful to distinguish between its different meanings, and use it in a way that is clear and concise.
Cultural References
The word “guise” has been used in a number of cultural references, including literature, poetry, and music. For example, in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” the character of Viola disguises herself as a man and assumes a new guise in order to serve the lovesick Orsino. In music, the word “guise” has been used in song titles and lyrics to describe situations where people are pretending to be something they’re not.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “guise” include:
- Under the guise of: to do something under the pretense of something else
- In guise of: to pretend to be something or someone else
- Guise of: to assume a false or pretended appearance
Related Words or Phrases
Some words or phrases that are closely related to “guise” in meaning or usage include:
- Disguise
- Deception
- Pretense
- Appearance
- Show
Collocations
Some common collocations with the word “guise” include:
- Assume a guise
- Wear a guise
- Under the guise of
- In guise of
Frequency of Use
The word “guise” is not a commonly used word in everyday language, but it is often used in formal or literary contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “guise” is used approximately 0.05 times per million words.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “guise” include:
- Guisee
- Guisey
- Guisey
- Guisee