unfeigned
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing unfeigned
"The Red-Headed League" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
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The Taming of the Shrew
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Intermediate, List 10
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Throughout the 16-day proceedings, the judge, Vivien Rose, earned Spear’s unfeigned admiration for her intelligence, fair-mindedness and quick grasp of detail.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 8, 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
I’m so sorry your friend died, and I absolutely believe that his distress was real and unfeigned.
From Slate ● Jan. 16, 2020
In her unfeigned eagerness she never noticed the suppressed eagerness, with which the hand was slowly put out to take the letter.
From The Cloister and the Hearth A Tale of the Middle Ages by Reade, Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
