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Artlessness: meaning, definitions and examples

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artlessness

 

[ ˈärtˌləsnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

innocent simplicity

Artlessness refers to a state of being innocent, simple, and free from deceit or guile. It embodies a kind of genuineness and straightforwardness in one's manner or conduct. This quality often implies a lack of sophistication or artifice, suggesting a purity and candidness in expression or behavior.

Synonyms

guilelessness, innocence, naivety, simplicity.

Examples of usage

  • Her artlessness endeared her to many.
  • The child's artlessness was refreshing in a world full of deceit.
  • He spoke with an artlessness that revealed his true feelings.

Etymology

The word 'artlessness' derives from the combination of 'artless', which means without deceit or craft, and the suffix '-ness', indicating a state or quality. The term 'artless' can be traced back to Middle English 'artles', stemming from Old English 'earfōd', which conveys the notion of simplicity and lack of artifice. Over time, 'artlessness' has come to denote not only the absence of complex traits but also an earnestness and honesty in character. The use of 'artlessness' has evolved within English literature, often celebrated in the context of youthful innocence or genuine charm, reflecting a contrast to the manipulative qualities sometimes associated with worldly wisdom.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,408, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.