The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

charade

IPA:

Dictionary definition of charade

An act or behavior that is intended to deceive or mislead others, often by pretending to be something that one is not.
"The interview was just a charade, with both parties knowing the outcome in advance."

Detailed meaning of charade

In this sense, a charade is a pretense, a facade, or a show that is put on to deceive or hide the true nature of something. A charade can be used to describe a person's behavior or actions that are not genuine, but intended to create a false impression.

A charade can also refer to a situation where people are aware of the deception and are complicit in maintaining it, but do not reveal it to others. A political charade, for example, is a situation where politicians pretend to be working towards a common goal when in reality they are pursuing their own interests.

A charade is also a form of word game in which players take turns to act out words or phrases for others to guess. In this context, a charade is a kind of performance, a game or a puzzle.

Example sentences containing charade

1. The company's commitment to sustainability was exposed as a charade when it was revealed they were still using hazardous materials.
2. The relationship was a charade, with both parties using each other for their own gain.
3. The peace talks were a charade, with neither side truly committed to a resolution.
4. The election campaign was a charade, with the outcome predetermined and the candidates unqualified.
5. Their marriage was a public charade and concocted simply to enhance their careers.
6. The performance was a charade, with the actors reading from cue cards and the audience knowing it was fake.

History and etymology of charade

The noun 'charade' has an etymology that traces its origins to both French and Italian. It evolved from the Italian word 'chiarada,' which meant 'clear' or 'clearness.' In the 18th century, the term 'charade' was borrowed into French, where it took on a new meaning related to a form of word play or riddle. In this context, participants would act out or describe a word or phrase in a disguised manner, and others had to guess the intended word or phrase. This playful and often deceptive game led to the modern meaning of 'charade' as an act or behavior that is intended to deceive or mislead others, often by pretending to be something that one is not. The etymology of 'charade' underscores the idea of obscuring clarity or intention, highlighting its association with deception and pretense in its contemporary usage.

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Further usage examples of charade

1. The company's commitment to ethical practices was a charade, as they were still involved in exploitative labor practices.
2. The event was a charade, with the speakers reciting rehearsed speeches and the audience not paying attention.
3. The trial was a charade, with the defendant clearly guilty but the lawyers finding a way to acquit.
4. The negotiation was a charade, with both sides pretending to compromise while sticking to their original positions.
5. The charity was a charade, with the majority of the funds being used to cover administrative costs rather than helping those in need.
6. The relationship was a charade, with both parties hiding their true feelings and intentions from each other.
7. Her smile was just a charade, hiding the pain within.
8. The politician's promises felt like a never-ending charade.
9. Their friendship was a charade, filled with hidden agendas.
10. Behind the charade, he was a brilliant spy.
11. The company's commitment to sustainability seemed like a charade.
12. The charade of happiness masked her true emotions.
13. His generosity was nothing more than a charade for attention.
14. The charade of innocence fooled no one in the courtroom.
15. Beneath the charade, a mastermind was at work.
16. The charade of unity crumbled in the face of disagreement.
17. She saw through his charade of confidence.
18. The charade of professionalism couldn't hide his incompetence.
19. Their extravagant lifestyle was just a charade of wealth.
20. The charade of perfection left her feeling empty.
21. Behind the charade, a complex web of lies unraveled.