Harmless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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harmless
[ˈhɑːmlɪs ]
Definition
description
Not causing or capable of causing harm; innocuous.
Synonyms
benign, innocent, non-threatening, safe.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| harmless |
Use when describing something that causes no harm or injury. This word is general and can be applied in many different contexts.
|
| innocent |
Usually used to describe someone who is free from guilt or blame, or something that is not intended to cause harm.
|
| safe |
Implies that something is free from danger or risk. This word is broad and can apply across many situations, from physical safety to emotional well-being.
|
| benign |
Often used in medical or academic contexts to describe something that is not harmful, particularly non-cancerous tumors. It can also describe gentle and kind behavior.
|
| non-threatening |
Describes something or someone that does not pose a threat or cause fear. Often used when addressing anxieties or fears.
|
Examples of usage
- The spider looked harmless, but it turned out to be poisonous.
- Her comments were harmless, just meant as a joke.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Many studies show that people often associate harmless behaviors with feelings of safety and trust.
- In cognitive psychology, individuals are more likely to engage with things they perceive as harmless, leading to positive interactions.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often exhibit harmless traits, making them endearing, like the protagonist in 'E.T.' who shows kindness instead of aggression.
- The phrase 'harmless fun' is commonly used in popular media to refer to activities that are enjoyable and safe.
Science
- In ecology, certain species are considered harmless because they do not pose a threat to humans or the environment, like rabbits.
- Medical research often investigates 'harmless' side effects of treatments, aiming to minimize risk to patients.
Literature
- Harmless characters often serve as comic relief in stories, lightening the mood with their quirky behaviors.
- In classic literature, the theme of harmlessness is often embodied in characters portrayed as innocent or naive, like Lennie from 'Of Mice and Men'.
Origin of 'harmless'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'harmless' comes from the Old English 'hearm', meaning harm, combined with '-less', which means without.
- It has been used since the 14th century to describe things that do not have the capability to cause hurt.
The word 'harmless' originated from the combination of 'harm' + '-less'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The prefix '-less' denotes the absence of harm or danger, making 'harmless' a word used to describe something that poses no threat or danger.
See also: harm, harmed, harmful, harmfully, harmfulness, harming, harmony, unharmed.