fingir
fake · pretend
Hacer creer a otros que algo es verdad cuando no lo es.
Definition & meaning
Fingir means to pretend or to feign: to make something appear true when it is not.
- Pretending to have a feeling or condition: “She feigned surprise.”
- Pretending to do or be something: “He pretended to sleep.”
It can also mean to fabricate or invent, especially a story or excuse.
Grammar & Word origin
Fingir is a verb. Its first-person singular present form is finjo; the spelling changes from g to j to preserve the pronunciation.
It comes from Latin fingere, meaning “to shape,” “form,” or “invent.”
Synonyms & antonyms
- simular — to simulate or feign; often emphasizes creating a convincing appearance.
- aparentar — to appear or give an impression; it does not always imply deliberate deception.
- inventar — to invent or make up; a synonym when fingir means fabricating a story.
There is no single direct antonym, but decir la verdad (“to tell the truth”) contrasts with pretending or fabricating.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
No puedes fingir felicidad todo el tiempo.verb
You cannot fake happiness all the time.
A veces es difícil fingir que todo está bien.verb
Sometimes it is hard to pretend that everything is fine.
Él siempre finge estar tranquilo en los exámenes.verb
He always pretends to be calm during exams.
Ella fingió estar contenta durante la fiesta.verb
She pretended to be happy during the party.
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