disingenuous
UK: ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒenjuəs | US: ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒenjuəs
adj. not candid or sincere, typically by pretending to know less about something than one actually does
adj. giving a false appearance of simplicity or innocence; subtly deceptive
The word "disingenuous" emerged in the 17th century by combining the negative prefix dis- with ingenuous, which originally denoted honesty rooted in noble birth. Over time, ingenuous shifted to imply naive sincerity, while disingenuous evolved to describe calculated deceit—masking knowledge or intent under a facade of innocence. The irony lies in its roots: a term for nobility twisted to describe artifice.
Her disingenuous apology failed to convince anyone.
Politicians often use disingenuous rhetoric to avoid direct answers.
He gave a disingenuous smile while hiding the truth.
The CEO’s disingenuous praise masked his dissatisfaction.
Critics called the advertisement disingenuous for exaggerating product benefits.