unfeigned

American  

[uhn-feynd] / ʌnˈfeɪnd /

adjective

1. not feigned; sincere; genuine.

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Other Word Forms

• unfeignedly adverb
• unfeignedness noun

Etymology

Origin of unfeigned

First recorded in 1325–75, unfeigned is from the Middle English word unfeynid. See un- ¹, feign, -ed ²

Explanation

Feign means to fake, or pretend, so unfeigned means sincere. If you greet a friend with unfeigned joy, she'll know you are happy to see her. Unfeigned is a delightful word, pertaining as it often does to young, innocent, and trusting people––the ones who cannot hide their feelings. Who wants fake laughs when you can have unfeigned laughter? Or fake tears when unfeigned sorrow is so much more affecting? When spelling unfeigned, remember the poem: "'i' before 'e,' except after 'c,' or when sounding like 'a,' as in 'neighbor' or 'weigh'." Or unfeigned.

Example Sentences

Chastain’s strong, unfussy performance conveys Amy’s professional expertise, tireless work ethic and unfeigned compassion for those under her care; she’s every inch the good nurse of the title.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2022

“Didn’t have time to be nervous,” he said, with unfeigned modesty.

From Washington Post • May 30, 2022

His puzzlement at the 21st-century world in which he found himself was deep and unfeigned.

From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2020

She has a splendid smile, full of mischief and wisdom: a small and compact woman buoyed by that straight-up, unfeigned southern warmth that abides no matter where you encounter it.

From The Guardian • Jan. 17, 2020

So it was with unfeigned relief I learned at breakfast that, owing to the violence of the tempest, the mail steamer we expected to travel in had been unable to leave Barcelona.

From The Fortunate Isles Life and Travel in Majorca, Minorca and Iviza by Boyd, Mary Stuart