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.
fake
When referring to feelings or reactions, fake and gespielt can both express a lack of genuineness. Fake is a casual, colloquial label. Gespielt more precisely describes behavior or an expression of emotion that is artificially presented rather than shown sincerely.
Ihre Begeisterung für das Geschenk wirkt nur gespielt.
Her excitement about the gift seems merely feigned.
Ihre Begeisterung für das Geschenk wirkt völlig fake.
Her excitement about the gift seems completely fake.
