English vocabulary · C2
Disingenuous
/ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjuəs/ · adj.
Disingenuous people hide what they know to seem good. They let you trust their words, but leave out the part that would change your mind.
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Example sentences
- Disingenuous cooks hid burnt food.
- Your disingenuous smile fooled me.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- dis — not (from Latin)
- ingenuous — honest (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- FALSE — not true (Not real)
- FAKE — not really meant (Made to seem real)
- SLY — hides a secret plan (Hidden aim)
Similar words
- false
- fake
- sly
- dishonest
- insincere
Lesson notes
Disingenuous people hide what they know to seem good. They let you trust their words, but leave out the part that would change your mind.
Related: false, fake, sly. Use disingenuous when you hide truth.
Disingenuous cooks hid burnt food. Your disingenuous smile fooled me.
From Latin. dis- means not. ingenuous- means honest. Not honest, that disingenuous smile hides the truth.