disingenuous
/ˌdɪs.ɪn.ˈdʒɛn.ju.əs/
Group 17Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does GRE
Example in Context
The CEO's claim of ignorance about the cover-up was widely viewed as disingenuous, given her direct involvement in key meetings.
Synonyms
insinceredishonestfake
Etymology
Not being genuine or sincere, often pretending to know less.
- dis- (Latin) — not
- genuinus (Latin) — genuine
Memory Aid
🤥Sounds like “dis-in-genuine”
Imagine a magician saying 'DIS-INGENUOUS!' while pulling a fake rabbit, pretending it's real!
Visual Association
😏A person with a sly grin, whispering secrets while pretending to be innocent.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “disingenuous” mean on the GRE?
disingenuous (adjective) means “Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does”. The CEO's claim of ignorance about the cover-up was widely viewed as disingenuous, given her direct involvement in key meetings.
How to remember “disingenuous” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “disingenuous” sounds like “dis-in-genuine”. Imagine a magician saying 'DIS-INGENUOUS!' while pulling a fake rabbit, pretending it's real!
What are synonyms for “disingenuous”?
Common synonyms: insincere, dishonest, fake.