disingenuous
UK[ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒenjuəs]US[ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒenjuəs]
adj
not sincere, especially when pretending to know less about something than you really do
Morpheme Breakdown
dis
ingenuous
dis
not
ingenuous
open, frank
Etymology
the word 'disingenuous' is a relatively modern english formation, first appearing in the mid-17th century. it was created by adding the negative latin prefix 'dis-' to the existing english adjective 'ingenuous,' which itself derives from latin ingenuus. the latin term originally described someone free-born, and by extension, someone of noble character who was candid and frank. therefore, the literal construction "not ingenuous" logically evolved to describe the opposite quality: a lack of frankness, characterized by pretense, cunning, or a calculated withholding of one's true knowledge or feelings.
Analysis
Structure: dis (not) + ingenuous (open, frank)
- dis: a latin prefix meaning "apart," "away," or having a negative, reversing force. in this word, it functions as a negator.
- ingenuous: from latin ingenuus meaning "native, free-born, noble, frank." in this word, it functions as the core adjective meaning "openly straightforward."
Examples
it would be disingenuous of me to claim i had no prior knowledge of the plan.
his apology seemed disingenuous and failed to address the core issue.
she gave a disingenuous smile while evading the reporter's direct question.