Disingenuine vs. Disingenuous: Decoding the Right Spelling
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 30, 2023
"Disingenuine is incorrect spelling while Disingenuous is correct, meaning not truly honest or sincere, often by pretending to know less than one does."
Which is correct: Disingenuine or Disingenuous
How to spell Disingenuous?
Disingenuine is Incorrect
Disingenuous is Correct
How to remember correct spelling of Disingenuous?
Visualize the word as 'Dis-Ingenious', where 'ingenious' hints at clever deceit.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Note the 'ous' at the end of 'disingenuous', common in adjectives like 'courageous'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Think of 'disingenuous' as having an 'extra' syllable compared to 'disingenuine'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Associate 'disingenuous' with 'insincere', both ending in 'ous', reinforcing the correct spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Remember that 'genuine' and 'disingenuous' have different roots; 'disingenuous' links to 'ingenuous', not 'genuine'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Disingenuous Definitions
Feigning innocence or simplicity
His disingenuous charm concealed his real motives in the negotiation.
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Dec 30, 2023
Lacking in frankness or sincerity
She gave a disingenuous apology, clearly not feeling remorseful.
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Dec 30, 2023
Not straightforward or candid
Their disingenuous marketing tactics misled customers about the product's benefits.
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Dec 30, 2023
Hiding true intentions under a veneer of honesty
Her disingenuous smile was a cover for her competitive nature.
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Dec 30, 2023
Pretending to be unaware or naive
His disingenuous questions about the scandal were an act to avoid blame.
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Dec 30, 2023
Not straightforward or candid; insincere or calculating
“Increasingly, the question of immigration has become a disingenuous stalking-horse for race and racial hostility” (Tyler Stovall).
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Oct 19, 2023
Pretending to be unaware or unsophisticated; faux-naïf.
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Oct 19, 2023
Usage Problem Unaware or uninformed; naive.
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Oct 19, 2023
Not honourable; unworthy of honour
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Oct 19, 2023
Not ingenuous; not frank or open
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Oct 19, 2023
Assuming a pose of naïveté to make a point or for deception.
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Oct 19, 2023
Not noble; unbecoming true honor or dignity; mean; unworthy; as, disingenuous conduct or schemes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Not ingenuous; wanting in noble candor or frankness; not frank or open; uncandid; unworthily or meanly artful.
So disingenuous as not to confess them [faults].
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Oct 19, 2023
Not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness;
An ambitious, disingenuous, philistine, and hypocritical operator, who...exemplified...the most disagreeable traits of his time
A disingenuous excuse
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What part of speech is 'Disingenuous'?
'Disingenuous' is an adjective, used to describe someone who is not sincere or straightforward.
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Dec 30, 2023
Why is 'Disingenuine' incorrect?
'Disingenuine' incorrectly blends 'dis-' with 'genuine', a separate word with different etymological roots from 'ingenuous'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Can 'Disingenuous' have a positive connotation?
Typically, 'disingenuous' has a negative connotation, implying deceit or insincerity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Is there a noun form of 'Disingenuous'?
Yes, the noun form is 'disingenuousness'.
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Dec 30, 2023
Does 'Disingenuous' have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms include insincere, deceitful, and duplicitous.
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Dec 30, 2023
What is the origin of the word 'Disingenuous'?
Disingenuous comes from the Latin word 'ingenuus', meaning natural or freeborn, and the prefix 'dis-', indicating a reversal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Is 'Disingenuous' a modern English word?
Yes, 'disingenuous' is used in modern English, but its roots trace back to Latin.
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Dec 30, 2023
How can 'Disingenuous' be used in a sentence?
"His disingenuous remarks during the meeting were aimed at misleading his colleagues."
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Dec 30, 2023
What is the difference in use between 'Ingenious' and 'Disingenuous'?
'Ingenious' refers to cleverness or creativity, while 'disingenuous' refers to a lack of sincerity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Is 'Disingenuous' often used in everyday conversation?
It's more common in formal contexts, but it can be used in everyday conversation to describe insincerity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Are there any common misuses of 'Disingenuous'?
It's often mistakenly used as a synonym for 'unintelligent', which is incorrect.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Can 'Disingenuous' be used in a legal context?
Yes, it can describe someone's deceitful behavior in legal discussions or documents.
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Dec 30, 2023
What is the adjective form of 'Genuine'?
The adjective form is 'genuine' itself, meaning authentic or sincere.
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Dec 30, 2023
How can one avoid being disingenuous?
By being honest, straightforward, and sincere in one's actions and speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Is 'Disingenuine' recognized in any English dictionaries?
No, 'disingenuine' is not recognized as a correct word in standard English dictionaries.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.