feigned
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feigned
Not genuine or sincere, but only pretended or simulated. Describes behavior, an expression of emotion, or a quality that seems artificial and inauthentic.
Mit gespieltem Interesse fragte sie, wie mein Urlaub war.
With feigned interest, she asked how my vacation was.
'Gespielt' is the past participle of the verb 'spielen' (to play). The meaning 'unecht' (not genuine) or 'vorgetäuscht' (pretended/feigned) comes from the idea of playing a role, that is, acting.
Sein Lachen klang gespielt und nicht ehrlich.
His laughter sounded feigned and not sincere.
This adjective often describes pretended feelings or reactions. Common combinations are 'gespielte Freundlichkeit' (feigned friendliness), 'ein gespieltes Lächeln' (a feigned smile), or 'gespielte Überraschung' (feigned surprise).
Er zeigte nur gespielte Begeisterung für das Geschenk.
He showed only feigned enthusiasm for the gift.
'Gespielt' can stand before a noun or be used as a predicative adjective with verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'wirken' (to seem/appear).
Hinter der gespielten Ruhe verbarg sie ihre Nervosität.
Behind the feigned calm, she hid her nervousness.
natural / of course
'natürlich' and 'gespielt' are opposites when it comes to behavior or feelings. In this sense, 'natürlich' means that someone seems genuine, relaxed, and unaffected. 'gespielt' means that a feeling or behavior is only pretended. For example, you say 'gespielte Freude' (feigned joy) when the joy does not seem genuine. So 'natürlich' fits authentic behavior, while 'gespielt' fits something that is only being acted out.
Alis Überraschung war gespielt, denn er kannte das Geschenk schon.
Ali's surprise was feigned, because he already knew about the gift.
Ihre Reaktion war ganz natürlich, als sie die gute Nachricht hörte.
Her reaction was completely natural when she heard the good news.