camouflage
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkæməˌflɑːʒ/
KK: /ˈkæməˌflɑːʒ/
adjective
Definition
Designed to blend in with the surroundings by using colors or patterns that are typical for hiding or disguising.
Example
The soldiers wore camouflage uniforms to avoid being seen by the enemy.
Conversation
I just got a new jacket that has a cool camouflage pattern.
That sounds awesome! I love camouflage designs.
Yeah, it's perfect for blending in during outdoor activities.
You should wear it hiking; it will definitely come in handy!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
disguised
hidden
obscured
Antonyms
exposed
revealed
visible
intransitive verb
Definition
To use colors or patterns that help to hide or blend in with the surroundings.
Example
The soldier learned to camouflage himself in the forest to avoid being seen.
Tense Forms
Past: camouflaged
Past Participle: camouflaged
Conversation
I saw a documentary about how animals camouflage themselves in the wild.
That's fascinating! I didn't know they could do that so well.
Yeah, it really made me think about how we could use camouflage in our own lives sometimes.
noun
Definition
A way to hide or disguise something so that it blends in with its surroundings, often using colors and patterns.
Example
The soldiers wore camouflage to avoid being seen by the enemy.
Conversation
Have you seen the new jacket I got?
Yeah, it looks great! Is it really camouflage?
It is! I love how it blends in with the surroundings.
transitive verb
Definition
To hide something by making it look like its surroundings or by using a disguise.
Example
The soldiers used special paint to camouflage their vehicles in the forest.
Tense Forms
Past: camouflaged
Past Participle: camouflaged
Conversation
Did you see how they camouflaged their tent in the woods?
Yeah, it was hard to spot at first!
I wonder if they use special materials to camouflage it like that.
Root Explanation
Camouflage originates from the French word 'camoufler', meaning to disguise or conceal. The term is derived from 'camo-' (a variant of 'camouflage') and '-flage' (meaning to disguise). The word 'camouflage' refers to the act of concealing or disguising something to blend in with its surroundings.
Memory Tip
Think of the French word 'camoufler', which means to disguise — this helps you remember that 'camouflage' is about concealing or blending in.
Visually Confused Words
uncamouflaged