feign respect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feign respect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who pretends to have respect for another person or situation, often insincerely. Example: "Despite their differences, she chose to feign respect for her colleague during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It can take years of slogging to learn how to feign respect for hollow authority.

The New York Times - Magazine

Too bad you were having to feign respect for that lousy movie The Blind Side.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Even with rest, even with a full week for the Knicks and Heat to sit around and feign mutual respect, Hardaway will not be more than a caretaker with 3-point range.

The New York Times - Sports

Trump feigns some respect for religion, but tries turning the tables by asking, "If you want a pastor, vote Huckabee; if you want a president, vote Trump".

Huffington Post

His uncle said Fury, who feigns indifference, felt he had been given no proper respect for bringing Klitschko's decade of dominance to an end.

The Guardian - Sport

Hana Beshara sees Kim as a snitch, who is trying to feign ignorance to Megaupload's power as a tool of piracy, and doesn't respect his cooperation with the US.

Vice

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Spain's prime minister, has regained respect for belatedly pushing through reforms that cost him his leadership.Mr Berlusconi's friends feigned indignation at his treatment; supporters organised a "laugh-in" outside the French embassy in Rome Germanyy commands greater courtesy).

The Economist

Do I feign indifference?

The New York Times

I feign bravado.

The New York Times - Magazine

He would feign sleep.

The Guardian

■ Respect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feign respect", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality. "Feign" implies a deliberate and often conscious act of deception. Choose a simpler synonym if your intent is not to accuse someone of being insincere.

Common error

Avoid using "feign respect" when you simply mean someone is being polite or courteous. "Feign" specifically indicates a lack of genuine feeling, so using it inaccurately can change the meaning of your sentence and imply insincerity where none exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feign respect" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It describes the action of pretending to have respect, often implying insincerity. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feign respect" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of pretending to have respect, often implying insincerity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its use is primarily found in News & Media contexts. While not overly common, it effectively conveys the idea of simulated respect. When considering alternatives such as "pretend to respect" or "simulate respect", it's essential to consider the subtle nuances of each phrase to ensure the intended meaning is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretend to respect

Replaces the verb "feign" with the more common "pretend".

simulate respect

Uses "simulate" to convey a sense of artificial respect.

fake respect

Uses the more informal "fake" instead of "feign".

give a semblance of respect

Emphasizes the superficial nature of the respect shown.

affect respect

Implies deliberately adopting a respectful demeanor.

put on an act of respect

Highlights the insincerity and performance aspect of showing respect.

display artificial respect

Focuses on showing outward signs, lacking genuine feeling.

make a show of respect

Focuses on the outward display of respect, regardless of genuine feeling.

profess respect insincerely

Explicitly states that the respect is not genuine.

masquerade respect

Suggests respect is a deceptive facade.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feign respect"?

To "feign respect" means to pretend to feel or show respect, often when you don't genuinely feel it. It implies a degree of insincerity or deception.

What are some synonyms for "feign respect"?

Alternatives to "feign respect" include "pretend to respect", "simulate respect", or "fake respect", depending on the desired level of formality.

How can I use "feign respect" in a sentence?

You might say, "Despite his anger, he tried to feign respect for his boss" or "They had to feign respect for the visiting dignitaries, even though they disagreed with their policies".

What is the difference between "feign respect" and simply being polite?

"Feign respect" implies a lack of genuine respect; it's about outward appearance only. Being polite, on the other hand, is about showing good manners and consideration, even if you don't necessarily agree with or admire the person.