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Mask Definition, Examples & Usage in English (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：face covering (Mask)
Mask
/mæsk/
n., v.
Something that you wear to cover your face or part of your face, for protection or as a disguise.
face covering
➕
/feɪs ˈkʌvərɪŋ/
n., v.
A piece of material worn over the face to protect the wearer from pollutants, germs, or to conceal identity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin *masca* (ghost) via French *masque*, meaning a covering for the face.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a mask hiding your real face, just as the word hides true feelings.
📖 Example
During the pollen season, she always puts on a mask before going outside.
During the pollen season, she always puts on a mask before going outside.
🔗 Collocations
wear a mask – put a mask on one's face
surgical mask – a disposable mask used in medical settings
face mask – a mask covering the face
🔄 Synonyms
face covering (n.) – A general term for something that covers the face.
veil (n.) – A piece of fabric that covers the face, often for cultural or religious reasons.
disguise (n.) – A means of altering one's appearance to hide identity.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Arabic *maskharah* (buffoon) through Italian, masks were pivotal in Venetian carnivals and later adopted in medicine to prevent infection.
Meaning 2：conceal (Mask)
Mask
/mæsk/
n., v.
To hide your real feelings, intentions, or the true nature of something.
conceal
➕
/kənˈsiːl/
n., v.
To prevent something such as feelings or intentions from being seen or known.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He tried to mask his disappointment with a smile when he saw his exam results.
He tried to hide his disappointment with a smile when he saw his exam results.
🔗 Collocations
mask one's feelings – to hide one's true emotions
mask the truth – to prevent the truth from being known
mask the pain – to hide physical or emotional pain
🔄 Synonyms
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