How is the term "disingenuous" best defined?

The term "disingenuous" is best defined as insincere or pretending to know less about something than one actually does. When someone is described as disingenuous, it indicates that they are not being completely truthful or are deliberately misleading in their communication. This could involve feigning ignorance or withholding actual knowledge, often to manipulate a situation or the perceptions of others.

This understanding aligns with the context of the word, which arises often in discussions about honest communication, where the emphasis is on a lack of sincerity or authenticity. The use of the prefix "dis-" implies a negation of genuineness, further reinforcing the idea of deceit or pretense. This makes the definition of insincerity the most fitting interpretation of "disingenuous."