mask

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A covering for the face, worn to protect, disguise, or hide it.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a mask' or 'masks'.

   Patterns

   • wear a mask
   • a face mask

   She wore a mask to protect herself from the dust.

   The thief wore a mask to hide his identity.

   Doctors and nurses wear masks in the operating room.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To hide or disguise a feeling, quality, or fact.

   Grammar: Takes an object: mask your feelings.

   Patterns

   • mask something
   • mask a feeling

   He tried to mask his disappointment with a smile.

   The perfume masked the smell of smoke.

3. 3nouncountable

   A covering for the face used in a ceremony, performance, or as a decoration.

   Grammar: Countable, often in cultural or artistic contexts.

   Patterns

   • a traditional mask
   • wear a mask

   The dancers wore colorful masks during the festival.

   The museum has a collection of African masks.

Word forms

Common combinations

face mask

She put on a face mask before going outside.

wear a mask

All visitors must wear a mask in the hospital.

mask your feelings

He learned to mask his feelings in public.

mask the smell

The air freshener masked the smell of cooking.

Synonyms and how they differ

disguise

To change your appearance so people do not recognize you; 'mask' often means to hide a feeling or quality, not necessarily your identity.

conceal

A more formal word meaning to hide something completely; 'mask' suggests covering or hiding something so it is less noticeable.

veil

To hide something behind a layer, often used figuratively; 'mask' is more direct and common for feelings.

Opposites

Word family

masked adjective

Wearing a mask; hidden or disguised.

masking noun

The act of covering or hiding something.

Commonly confused: mask or masque?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “mask”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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