veneer
His politeness was just a veneer hiding his true anger.
Su cortesía era solo una capa superficial que ocultaba su verdadera ira.
Una capa fina de material de buena calidad (como madera o plástico) adherida a una superficie de material inferior.
The cabinet is made of oak veneer over particle board.
El armario está hecho de chapa de roble sobre aglomerado.
Common in furniture and construction.
Una apariencia superficial de cualidad o sentimiento que oculta la realidad verdadera.
She maintained a veneer of calm during the crisis.
Mantuvo una fachada de calma durante la crisis.
Often used metaphorically to describe false appearances of civility, competence, or stability.
Una lámina delgada de porcelana o material similar colocada sobre un diente.
He had porcelain veneers fitted to improve his smile.
Se colocó carillas de porcelana para mejorar su sonrisa.
Dental context.
Colocaciones
Consejo pro
Metaphorical Usage
When describing people or societies, 'veneer' suggests a fragile mask. Use it to critique superficiality. Example: 'The veneer of civilization cracked under pressure.'
Regla de oro
Connotation Check
Never use 'veneer' to describe a genuinely positive or solid foundation. It inherently implies the surface is a disguise for something less impressive underneath.
Origen de la palabra
From French 'venire' (to come) or 'venier' (to arrive), originally referring to a thin layer of wood that 'comes' to cover a base.
Notas de uso
In metaphorical use, 'veneer' almost always implies that the underlying reality is inferior, flawed, or negative, and the surface layer is deceptive. It is not neutral; it suggests hypocrisy or fragility.