semblant

pretence, semblance

noun sahm-BLAHN Less Common

Origin: From sembler (to seem), Latin simulare

Usage Note

Semblant is almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase faire semblant de + infinitive, meaning 'to pretend to do something' — il fait semblant de dormir (he's pretending to sleep). It rarely appears outside this construction. Do not confuse with ressemblance (resemblance) or semblable (similar, fellow human).

Examples

"Elle fait semblant de ne pas me voir."

Natural Translation

She is pretending not to see me.

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