disingenuous
Say it: dis-in-JEN-yoo-us /ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs/ · adjective
What “disingenuous” means
Pretending to know less than you do, or hiding your motives.
More precisely: Not sincere, especially pretending to know or care less than you really do.
Example: “It's disingenuous to say you didn't see my messages when you reacted to them.”
When to use it
A fairly formal criticism when someone's innocent questions or claims of ignorance conceal what they already know.
Similar words
insincere, deceitful, hypocritical
Quick check
You helped organise a surprise, then pretend you have no idea why everyone is gathering. That pretence is…
ingenuous or disingenuous?
Show the answer
disingenuous
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