disingenuous — not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒenjuəs/
Example Sentences
- It's disingenuous to say you didn't know about the deadline when the email is in your inbox.
- The CEO's disingenuous apology fooled no one - everyone knew he was only sorry he got caught.
- Don't be disingenuous - we all saw you eat the last slice of pizza.
disingenuous
ADJECTIVE[/ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒenjuəs/]
not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does
His disingenuous smile hides the fact that he already sold the secret.
Acting ingenuous while others grow strenuous, but being disingenuous
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the prefix 'dis-' (meaning not or opposite) combined with 'ingenuous,' which comes from Latin 'ingenuus' meaning 'noble, frank, or candid.' The word literally means the opposite of ingenuous or frank.
Breakdown
dis- (not, opposite) + ingenuous (frank, candid, from Latin ingenuus) = disingenuous (not candid or sincere)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“It's disingenuous to say you didn't know about the deadline when the email is in your inbox.”
“The CEO's disingenuous apology fooled no one - everyone knew he was only sorry he got caught.”
“Don't be disingenuous - we all saw you eat the last slice of pizza.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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