Definition

Not being genuine or honest in feelings or expressions; often pretending to be something one is not.

Example

His insincere apology did not convince anyone.

Conversation

I really didn't like the way he complimented me today.

Yeah, it seemed a bit insincere, didn't it?

Exactly! It felt like he was just saying it for show.

Totally! Sometimes people just try to be nice, but it comes off as fake.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Insincere is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "sincere" (from Latin "sincerus", meaning pure or clean). The word describes a lack of purity or honesty in one's feelings or expressions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being combined with 'pure' ('sincerus') to remember that insincere means not being genuine or honest.

Visually Confused Words