Harmlessness: meaning, definitions and examples
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harmlessness
[ˈhɑːm.ləs.nəs ]
Definition
lack of
The quality of not causing harm or damage.
Synonyms
benignity, innocuousness, safety.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| harmlessness |
Best used to describe a situation, object, or substance that poses no danger or threat.
|
| innocuousness |
Typically refers to something that is so completely harmless that it doesn't have any noticeable effect, including things that might otherwise seem objectionable.
|
| benignity |
Often used to describe a person's kind and gentle nature, or to characterize a medical condition that is not harmful.
|
| safety |
Commonly used when discussing the conditions that prevent harm or ensure security, particularly in areas such as transportation, food, or activities.
|
Examples of usage
- His harmlessness was evident in the way he treated even the smallest insects with care.
- The harmlessness of the substance made it suitable for use in sensitive environments.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from combining 'harm,' meaning damage, and 'less,' which means without.
- It has roots in Old English, where 'harm' meant injury or hurt, while 'less' indicated absence.
Psychology
- In psychological terms, the concept of harmlessness relates to non-threatening behaviors which are essential for social bonding.
- Experiments show that treating others with harmlessness can reduce stress and increase trust in relationships.
Safety and Health
- In the context of health, harmlessness is often used to describe products that pose no risk to human wellness, like non-toxic cleaning supplies.
- Significant research focuses on distinguishing harmless substances in food and consumer products, ensuring public safety.
Philosophy
- Philosophical discussions often explore the ethics of harmlessness, emphasizing actions that avoid causing harm to others.
- The principle of 'do no harm' is foundational in many ethical frameworks, guiding moral behavior.
Literature
- In literary works, themes of harmlessness often highlight innocence, where characters may be depicted as pure and non-threatening.
- Harmless characters, like the fool in many stories, often provide comic relief without causing distress.
Translations
Translations of the word "harmlessness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 inocuidade
🇮🇳 निर्दोषता
🇩🇪 Harmlosigkeit
🇮🇩 ketidakberbahayaan
🇺🇦 нешкідливість
🇵🇱 nieszkodliwość
🇯🇵 無害
🇫🇷 innocuité
🇪🇸 inocuidad
🇹🇷 zararsızlık
🇰🇷 무해
🇸🇦 السلامة
🇨🇿 neškodnost
🇸🇰 neškodnosť
🇨🇳 无害
🇸🇮 neškodljivost
🇮🇸 skaðleysi
🇰🇿 зиянсыздық
🇬🇪 უვნებლობა
🇦🇿 zərərsizlik
🇲🇽 inocuidad