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disingenuous

[ dis-in-jen-yoo-uhs ] [ ˌdɪs ɪnˈdʒɛn yu əs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

lacking in frankness, candor, or sincerity

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Why Dictionary.com chose disingenuous

More about disingenuous

  • First recorded in 1645–55; see dis-1 + ingenuous.
  • Note the spelling between ingenuous and ingenious, a commonly confused pair sharing the same Latin root meaning “inborn quality; innate ability.”

EXAMPLES OF DISINGENUOUS

  • It was disingenuous of the gym teacher to claim that the exercises were easy, knowing they were challenging for most of the students.
  • My disingenuous smile didn’t fool anyone; everyone knew I was still upset about the situation.
20240103
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

squeegee

[ skwee-jee ] [ ˈskwi dʒi ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

an implement for removing water from surfaces

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Why Dictionary.com chose squeegee

More about squeegee

  • First recorded in 1835–45.
  • Originally a nautical term; of obscure origin but possibly derived from and related to the English words squeege, “to press, squeeze,” and squilgee, a nautical term for an implement resembling a hoe.

EXAMPLES OF SQUEEGEE

  • After washing the windows, she used a squeegee to remove the excess water for a streak-free shine.
  • The caretaker quickly wiped the floor with a squeegee to prevent anyone from slipping on the wet surface.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

nidificate

[ nid-uh-fi-keyt ] [ ˈnɪd ə fɪˌkeɪt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to build a nest

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Why Dictionary.com chose nidificate

More about nidificate

  • Now in rare usage, first recorded in English between 1810–20; used without an object.
  • From Latin ²ÔÄ«»å¾±´Ú¾±³¦Äå³Ù³Ü²õ, past participle of ²ÔÄ«»å¾±´Ú¾±³¦Äå°ù±ð, “to build a nest.” See nidifyÌý+ -ate1.

EXAMPLES OF NIDIFICATE

  • The bird chirped to herself: “I need to nidificate,” and started gathering twigs.
  • During the early months of the year, many birdwatchers visit the park to see the various species nidificate.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar