Words / C1

GYZ/ɡaɪz/

A guise is an outward show that hides the reality: in the guise of reform, under the guise of safety. Disguise is the everyday cousin and the verb; pretence is a close noun. Guys is informal people — a comic lookalike. Do not write guise for a uniform you are honestly wearing.

Meaning

An outward appearance that hides the real nature of something (in the guise of).

Examples

• “Cuts arrived in the guise of a “simplification”.”
• “The cut arrived in the guise of a “simplification” of the handbook.”
• “Under the guise of consultation they sent a form that could not say no.”

Good to know

in/under the guise of. Everyday: disguise / pretence. Mix-up: guys (people). Not an honest uniform.

Near in meaning

disguise

New