Disingenuous vs. Disingenuine — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 18, 2024
"Disingenuous" is the correct spelling, while "Disingenuine" is incorrect. Disingenuous means not being candid or sincere.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Disingenuous or Disingenuine
How to spell Disingenuous?
Disingenuous
Correct Spelling
Disingenuine
Incorrect Spelling
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Key Differences
Recall the word "ingenious" which has a similar structure but different meaning.
Think of "ingenuous" with the prefix "dis-" added to it. There's no "ingenuine" to start with.
Note that words ending in "-ous" are often adjectives, like "disingenuous."
Associate "disingenuous" with "dissimulation," another word for deceit.
Remember that "genuine" is its own word, while "ingenuous" relates to sincerity.
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How Do You Spell Disingenuine Correctly?
Incorrect: She gave a disingenuine smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Correct: She gave a disingenuous smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Incorrect: His disingenuine apology made the situation worse.
Correct: His disingenuous apology made the situation worse.
Disingenuous Definitions
Not straightforward or candid; insincere or calculating.
Her apology seemed disingenuous.
Falsely appearing to be honest or candid.
The politician's disingenuous statements were quickly exposed.
Lacking in frankness or honesty; not genuine.
The actor's disingenuous emotions were evident.
Not sincere, typically by pretending to know less about something than one really does.
His surprise was clearly disingenuous.
Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does
This journalist was being somewhat disingenuous as well as cynical
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).
Pretending to be unaware or unsophisticated; faux-naïf.
Usage Problem Unaware or uninformed; naive.
Not honourable; unworthy of honour
Not ingenuous; not frank or open
Assuming a pose of naïveté to make a point or for deception.
Not noble; unbecoming true honor or dignity; mean; unworthy; as, disingenuous conduct or schemes.
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].
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
Disingenuous Meaning in a Sentence
A disingenuous apology lacks sincerity and real remorse.
Disingenuous compliments are easy to spot once you know the signs.
Disingenuous comments often hide the speaker's true intentions.
Disingenuous behavior in friendships can lead to trust issues.
Being disingenuous in negotiations can backfire.
It's disheartening to discover someone's disingenuous motives.
Recognizing disingenuous praise can save you from embarrassment.
People tend to distrust those who are disingenuous.
A disingenuous confession may do more harm than good.
Disingenuous claims about a product can lead to legal trouble.
It's important to challenge disingenuous narratives that distort the truth.
Disingenuous feedback can hinder personal and professional growth.
Disingenuous intentions can undermine genuine efforts for change.
Politicians who are disingenuous about their policies face backlash.
Disingenuous advertising can mislead consumers and damage a brand's reputation.
Being disingenuous about your feelings can complicate relationships.
Disingenuous support is not helpful in times of need.
Avoid disingenuous alliances; they rarely lead to genuine success.
The public can usually sense when a statement is disingenuous.
Disingenuous acts of kindness are often motivated by self-interest.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Disingenuous?
It's called "disingenuous" because it originates from the prefix "dis-" meaning "not" and "ingenuous" meaning "sincere."
What is the verb form of Disingenuous?
Disingenuous is an adjective and doesn't have a direct verb form.
Which preposition is used with Disingenuous?
Various prepositions can be used depending on the context, like "about" in "disingenuous about."
What is the singular form of Disingenuous?
Disingenuous is an adjective, so it doesn't have a singular or plural form like nouns do.
What is the root word of Disingenuous?
The root word is "ingenuous."
Is Disingenuous an adverb?
No, it's an adjective.
What is the pronunciation of Disingenuous?
It is pronounced as /ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛn.ju.əs/.
Which vowel is used before Disingenuous?
The context of the sentence determines the preceding vowel, but typically "a" or "an" can be used.
Is Disingenuous a vowel or consonant?
It's a word starting with a consonant.
Is Disingenuous a countable noun?
No, it's an adjective.
Is Disingenuous a collective noun?
No, it's an adjective.
What is the plural form of Disingenuous?
Adjectives like "disingenuous" don't have plural forms.
Which conjunction is used with Disingenuous?
Any conjunction can be used, based on the sentence's structure.
Is the word Disingenuous is imperative?
No, it's an adjective.
Is Disingenuous a negative or positive word?
It's a negative word.
Is the word Disingenuous is Gerund?
No, it's an adjective.
What part of speech is Disingenuous?
It's an adjective.
What is another term for Disingenuous?
Insincere.
Which article is used with Disingenuous?
Either "a" or "an" can be used before "disingenuous" depending on pronunciation.
Is Disingenuous an abstract noun?
No, it's an adjective.
Is the word “Disingenuous” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It's an adjective and not an object.
Which determiner is used with Disingenuous?
Any appropriate determiner can be used based on context, such as "this," "that," "my," "his," etc.
How is Disingenuous used in a sentence?
His response was disingenuous, as he was well-aware of the facts.
How many syllables are in Disingenuous?
There are five syllables.
What is the opposite of Disingenuous?
Sincere.
Is Disingenuous a noun or adjective?
Disingenuous is an adjective.
Is the Disingenuous term a metaphor?
No, it's not a metaphor.
How do we divide Disingenuous into syllables?
Dis-in-gen-u-ous.
What is a stressed syllable in Disingenuous?
The third syllable, "gen," is stressed.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.