Disguise vs. Masquerade — What's the Difference?
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By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 20, 2023
Disguise entails altering appearance to conceal identity or nature. Masquerade involves presenting oneself falsely or participating in social events with masks and costumes.
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Difference Between Disguise and Masquerade
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The usage of Disguise often encompasses a broader array of contexts and purposes. Disguises can be utilized for various purposes, such as protection, anonymity, or to perform a covert act. Masquerade, on the other hand, frequently points towards social and recreational activities, especially ones involving dressing up, although it can also refer to a pretense.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
In literature and art, Disguise is often employed as a plot device, allowing characters to navigate scenarios incognito, achieving goals without recognition. Masquerade, however, might be used in a more metaphorical sense to represent facades that individuals or societies maintain, or quite literally in describing festive gatherings where individuals adorn masks and costumes.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Disguise and Masquerade, while somewhat interchangeable, have distinct usages in English. "Disguise" generally pertains to the act of changing one’s appearance to conceal their identity. This change could be through clothes, makeup, or other means. Conversely, "Masquerade" can allude to both a deceptive show or an event where attendees wear masks and costumes.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Exploring Disguise and Masquerade through a historical lens sheds light on their distinct applications. Disguise has been utilized throughout history in espionage and subterfuge, changing one’s appearance to mislead and operate undercover. Masquerades historically were social events, parties where guests would wear masks and luxuriant costumes to conceal their identities for entertainment and intrigue.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Alters appearance to conceal identity.
A deceptive show or a festive gathering with masks.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
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Purpose
Typically aims for concealment or anonymity.
Could be recreational (event) or represent deception or pretense.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Usage
Can be used in a wide range of contexts.
Often limited to social events or describing deception.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Connotation
Can be neutral, positive, or negative depending on context.
Could suggest enjoyment (event) or negative (deception).
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Historical Role
Used in espionage, warfare, and safety.
Associated with social events and, metaphorically, with deception.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Definitions
Disguise
Disguise involves altering one's appearance to hide identity or characteristics.
The spy used a disguise to blend into the crowd unnoticed.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
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Masquerade
Masquerade implies engaging in an act of pretending or imitation.
Some plants have the ability to masquerade as others to avoid being eaten.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
Disguise can mean to conceal the true nature or state of something.
He used humor to disguise his true feelings about the situation.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
Masquerade can involve feigning an identity or role for deceptive purposes.
His act of kindness was merely a masquerade to gain her trust.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
Disguise may be used to mask or obfuscate the presence of something.
The frosting was used to disguise the burnt flavor of the cake.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
Masquerade can refer to a party or assembly where participants wear masks and costumes.
They met at a lavish masquerade ball, where everyone was adorned in extravagant attire.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
Disguise can involve using subterfuge or misdirection to conceal intentions.
The decoy was a disguise to distract from the team’s real plan.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
Masquerade can mean to live under a false show or pretense.
She did not want to masquerade as happy when she felt so miserable inside.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
To modify the manner or appearance of (a person, for example) in order to prevent recognition
Disguised himself as a guard and escaped.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
A costume party at which masks are worn; a masked ball. Also called masque.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
To make indistinct or difficult to perceive
Disguised the bad taste of the medicine with lemon syrup.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
To conceal or obscure by dissemblance or false show; misrepresent
Disguise one's true intentions.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
A disguise or false outward show; a pretense
A masquerade of humility.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
Appearance that misrepresents the true character of something
A blessing in disguise.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
To wear a mask or disguise, as at a masquerade
She masqueraded as a shepherd.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
A pretense or misrepresentation
His repeated references to his dangerous hobbies were only a disguise to cover up his insecurity.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
To go about as if in disguise; have or put on a deceptive appearance
The stowaway masqueraded as a crew member.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
Material (such as clothing, makeup, a wig) used to alter one’s visual appearance in order to hide one's identity or assume another.
A cape and moustache completed his disguise.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
An assembly or party of people wearing (usually elaborate or fanciful) masks and costumes, and amusing themselves with dancing, conversation, or other diversions.
I was invited to the masquerade party at their home.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
(figuratively) The appearance of something on the outside which masks what’s beneath.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
The act of wearing a mask or dressing up in a costume for, or as if for, a masquerade ball.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
The act or state of disguising, notably as a ploy.
Any disguise may expose soldiers to be deemed enemy spies.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
(figuratively) An act of living under false pretenses; a concealment of something by a false or unreal show; a disguise, a pretence; also, a pretentious display.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
(archaic) A change of behaviour resulting from intoxication, drunkenness.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
(transitive) To change the appearance of (a person or thing) so as to hide, or to assume an identity.
Spies often disguise themselves.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
(fandom) A cosplay event at which costumed attendees perform skits.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
To transform or disfigure, to change the appearance of in general.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
(obsolete) A dramatic performance by actors in masks; a mask or masque.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
(transitive) To avoid giving away or revealing (something secret); to hide by a false appearance.
He disguised his true intentions.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
A Spanish entertainment or military exercise in which squadrons of horses charge at each other, the riders fighting with bucklers and canes.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
To dress in newfangled or showy clothing, to deck out in new fashions.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
(intransitive) To take part in a masquerade; to assemble in masks and costumes; (loosely) to wear a disguise.
I’m going to masquerade as an old-fashioned pilot. What are you going to dress up as?
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
To dissemble, to talk or act falsely while concealing one’s thoughts.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
To pass off as a different person or a person with qualities that one does not possess; also, to make a pretentious show of being what one is not.
He masqueraded as my friend until the truth finally came out.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
To change the guise or appearance of; especially, to conceal by an unusual dress, or one intended to mislead or deceive.
Bunyan was forced to disguise himself as a wagoner.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
An assembly of persons wearing masks, and amusing themselves with dancing, conversation, or other diversions.
In courtly balls and midnight masquerades.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
To hide by a counterfeit appearance; to cloak by a false show; to mask; as, to disguise anger; to disguise one's sentiments, character, or intentions.
All God's angels come to us disguised.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
A dramatic performance by actors in masks; a mask. See 1st Mask, 4.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
To affect or change by liquor; to intoxicate.
I have just left the right worshipful, and his myrmidons, about a sneaker of five gallons; the whole magistracy was pretty well disguised before I gave them the ship.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
Acting or living under false pretenses; concealment of something by a false or unreal show; pretentious show; disguise.
That masquerade of misrepresentation which invariably accompanied the political eloquence of Rome.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
A dress or exterior put on for purposes of concealment or of deception; as, persons doing unlawful acts in disguise are subject to heavy penalties.
There is no passion which steals into the heart more imperceptibly and covers itself under more disguises, than pride.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
Artificial language or manner assumed for deception; false appearance; counterfeit semblance or show.
That eye which glances through all disguises.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
To frolic or disport in disquise; to make a pretentious show of being what one is not.
A freak took an ass in the head, and he goes into the woods, masquerading up and down in a lion's skin.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
A masque or masquerade.
Disguise was the old English word for a masque.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
An outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of something;
The theatrical notion of disguise is always associated with catastrophe in his stories
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
Any attire that modifies the appearance in order to conceal the wearer's identity
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
The act of concealing the identity of something by modifying its appearance;
He is a master of disguise
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
Make unrecognizable;
The herb disguises the garlic taste
We disguised our faces before robbing the bank
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Disguise
Disguise can refer to an outfit or persona adopted to conceal one's identity.
For the mission, she donned a disguise that made her look like a scientist.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
Pretend to be someone or something that you are not;
He is masquerading as the expert on the Internet
This silly novel is masquerading as a serious historical treaty
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Masquerade
Masquerade involves presenting oneself as someone else or something one is not.
He decided to masquerade as a journalist to get into the event.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
FAQs
Can a "disguise" be used for protection?
Yes, disguises can be utilized to protect someone by concealing their identity or blending them into a context.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can "Disguise" and "Masquerade" be used interchangeably?
While somewhat synonymous, "disguise" typically refers to altering one’s appearance while "masquerade" can imply putting on a deceptive front or refer to a specific social event.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Is "masquerading" always considered deceptive or negative?
Not always. "Masquerading" can imply deception, but it can also neutrally describe participating in an event where people wear masks and costumes.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
What is the purpose of a "disguise" in literature or films?
Disguises in literature or films often enable characters to navigate situations without being recognized, enabling various plot developments.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can "masquerade" be used as a verb?
Yes, "masquerade" can be a verb, describing the act of pretending to be someone else or presenting oneself in a deceptive manner.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Is a "masquerade" always a physical event?
No, "masquerade" can also metaphorically describe deceptive appearances or actions.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can "disguise" be used in a non-physical sense?
Yes, "disguise" can metaphorically describe concealing true intentions, feelings, or situations.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Does a "masquerade" always involve masks?
Traditionally, yes. A masquerade typically involves wearing masks, but it may sometimes be used more loosely to describe costumed events.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can "disguise" also refer to hiding the presence of an object or a fact?
Yes, "disguise" can also refer to obscuring an object or fact, making it unrecognizable or concealed.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can a "disguise" be used for entertainment, such as in theater or performance art?
Yes, disguises are often used in entertainment to allow performers to adopt different roles or to surprise the audience.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
How does a "disguise" function in the animal kingdom?
In nature, disguises (camouflage or mimicry) often protect creatures by concealing them from predators or prey.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Is "masquerade" used in specific cultural or historical contexts?
Yes, "masquerade" can refer to specific masked balls in particular historical or cultural settings, especially within European history.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can "masquerade" imply a degree of formality or extravagance?
Often yes, especially when referring to events, "masquerade" might imply a formal and extravagant gathering with masks and costumes.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can disguises involve psychological or behavioral changes?
Yes, disguises can also encompass changes in behavior, speech patterns, or mannerisms to fully conceal one’s identity.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Is it common to use "masquerade" in everyday speech?
It's relatively common, used either to describe a deceptive act or literal events involving costume wearing.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.