C1noun 1K

Mask

🇬🇧 UK /["/mɑːsk/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/mæsk/"]/

Meaning of Mask

something that you wear over your face to hide it, or to frighten or entertain other people

In simple words: A cover for the face that hides it or protects it.

Mask in a sentence

• She wore a mask to the costume party to conceal her identity.
• During the pandemic, people were encouraged to wear a mask to prevent the spread of the virus.
• The actor removed his mask after the performance.
• The mask of happiness he showed was only a disguise for his sadness.
• The mask used in painting served to protect the areas that should not be colored.
• In some cultures, people wear a ceremonial mask during traditional dances.
• The mask helped filter out dust particles in the workshop.

How to use Mask

Use 'mask' when talking about face coverings for protection or disguise. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid it in discussions about personal identity unless referring to metaphorical masking.

Grammar pattern

mask + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'mask' as a 'masquerade' that hides your face.

Related words

Collocations with Mask

• face
• facial
• full-face
• have on
• wear
• don
• conceal something
• cover something
• hide something
• behind a/​the mask
• beneath a/​the mask
• in a/​the mask
• face
• facial
• full-face
• have on
• wear
• don
• conceal something
• cover something
• hide something
• behind a/​the mask
• beneath a/​the mask
• in a/​the mask
• blank
• cold
• emotionless
• slip
• behind a/​the mask
• mask for
• a mask of indifference

Synonyms for Mask

• covering
• disguise
• face shield
• veil
• costume

Opposites of Mask

• reveal
• unmask

Common mistakes with Mask

• Confused with 'masking tape' - remember that 'mask' can refer to face coverings.
• Using 'masked' only in a figurative sense - it can also refer to physical coverings.
• Thinking 'mask' only refers to Halloween or costume masks - it also refers to medical masks.

Frequently asked questions about Mask

What does Mask mean?

A cover for the face that hides it or protects it.

What is the definition of Mask?

something that you wear over your face to hide it, or to frighten or entertain other people

How do you use Mask in a sentence?

She wore a mask to the costume party to conceal her identity.

Can you give another example of Mask?

During the pandemic, people were encouraged to wear a mask to prevent the spread of the virus.

What are synonyms for Mask?

Common alternatives include covering, disguise, face shield, veil, costume.

What is the opposite of Mask?

Opposite meanings include reveal, unmask.

What words go with Mask?

It commonly pairs with face, facial, full-face, have on, wear, don, conceal something, cover something, hide something, behind a/​the mask, beneath a/​the mask, in a/​the mask, face, facial, full-face, have on, wear, don, conceal something, cover something, hide something, behind a/​the mask, beneath a/​the mask, in a/​the mask, blank, cold, emotionless, slip, behind a/​the mask, mask for, a mask of indifference.

What are common mistakes when using Mask?

Confused with 'masking tape' - remember that 'mask' can refer to face coverings. Using 'masked' only in a figurative sense - it can also refer to physical coverings. Thinking 'mask' only refers to Halloween or costume masks - it also refers to medical masks.

How do you pronounce Mask?

US: /["/mæsk/"]/, UK: /["/mɑːsk/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Mask?

Use 'mask' when talking about face coverings for protection or disguise. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid it in discussions about personal identity unless referring to metaphorical masking.

What CEFR level is Mask?

"Mask" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.