Guileless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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guileless
[หษกaษชlles ]
Definition
in character description
Devoid of guile; innocent and without deception
Synonyms
honest, ingenuous, naive, sincere.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| guileless |
Used to describe someone who is innocent and without deception. It often implies a lack of worldly experience or sophistication.
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| honest |
Used in situations where someone is truthful and straightforward in their speech and actions. It is a general term that can apply to many contexts.
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| sincere |
Used to describe someone who is genuine and earnest in their feelings or expressions. It implies that what they say and do is heartfelt.
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| naive |
Describes someone lacking experience or sophistication, often in a way that makes them easily fooled or overly trusting. This term has a slightly negative connotation.
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| ingenuous |
Often applied to someone who is innocent and unworldly, but can also imply simple sincerity. It suggests a kind of openness and naรฏvetรฉ.
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Examples of usage
- She had a guileless charm that captivated everyone she met.
- His guileless smile made it hard to believe he was capable of deceit.
- The guileless look in her eyes revealed her true nature.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classic literature, guileless characters often serve as moral beacons, representing integrity and goodness.
- Shakespeare frequently used guileless characters to highlight the duplicity of others, creating stark contrasts in his plays.
Psychology
- Studies show that people who are perceived as guileless are often more trusted in social situations, leading to stronger interpersonal relationships.
- Guilelessness is linked to emotional intelligence, as it reflects an understanding and respect for others' feelings.
Pop Culture
- Many popular children's films feature guileless protagonists, like characters who embody purity and innocence, appealing to audiences seeking sincere heroes.
- The concept of guilelessness is often romanticized in media, portraying these characters as more relatable and beloved.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often debate the importance of guilelessness in ethics, suggesting that a lack of deceit is essential for true moral integrity.
- Many moral frameworks advocate for guileless behavior as foundational to trust and cooperation in societies.
Origin of 'guileless'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'gyle', meaning deceit or trickery, combined with the prefix 'less', meaning without.
- The word first appeared in English literature around the 14th century, indicating purity of character and honesty.
The word 'guileless' originated from the combination of two words: 'guile' and the suffix '-less'. 'Guile' comes from the Old French 'guile' meaning 'trickery, deceit'. The suffix '-less' is used to indicate the absence of something. Therefore, 'guileless' literally means 'without guile' or 'lacking deceit'. The term has been used in English language since the 16th century.