Disingenuous

Pronunciation: /dɪˌsɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs/

Definitions of disingenuous

adjective not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does

Example Sentences

A1 She was being disingenuous when she pretended to like the gift.

A2 The politician's disingenuous smile did not fool anyone.

B1 The salesperson's disingenuous promises left the customer feeling betrayed.

B2 His disingenuous behavior during the negotiation process raised suspicions.

C1 The CEO's disingenuous statements about company profits were quickly exposed.

C2 It was clear that the defendant's testimony was disingenuous and lacked sincerity.

Examples of disingenuous in a Sentence

formal His disingenuous behavior during the negotiation process was quite evident to all parties involved.

informal I can't stand how disingenuous she acts around certain people.

slang Stop being so disingenuous, just be real for once.

figurative The politician's disingenuous smile didn't fool anyone in the audience.

Grammatical Forms of disingenuous

• past tense: disingenuously
• plural: disingenuouses
• comparative: more disingenuous
• superlative: most disingenuous
• present tense: disingenuously
• future tense: will be disingenuous
• perfect tense: have been disingenuous
• continuous tense: is being disingenuous
• singular: disingenuous
• positive degree: disingenuous
• infinitive: to disingenuously
• gerund: disingenuously
• participle: disingenuous

Origin and Evolution of disingenuous

First Known Use: 1655 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'disingenuous' originated from the Latin word 'disingenuus', which meant 'of noble birth' or 'free-born'. Over time, the meaning shifted to signify someone who is not straightforward or honest.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe someone of noble birth, 'disingenuous' evolved to describe someone who is insincere or deceptive in their actions or words.