Ingenuous: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to describe someone who is open, sincere, and straightforward, but in a positive light. It highlights honesty and simplicity.

• She gave an ingenuous smile that immediately put everyone at ease

Often used to describe someone who lacks experience and is easily deceived, usually because of their youthful inexperience. It has a slightly negative connotation.

• Her naive belief that everyone was kind led to several disappointments

Typically used when referring to someone who is free from guilt, sin, or wrongdoing. Can be used in legal contexts or to describe childlike purity.

• Despite the accusations, he remained innocent in the eyes of his friends

Describes someone who lacks worldly knowledge or experience. It can be used in both neutral and slightly negative contexts.

• His unsophisticated manner and rural background made him stand out in the big city

Used when referring to someone who is innocent and unsuspecting, often lacking experience or sophistication. Can be used positively to describe genuine honesty but also negatively to imply naivety.

• The child's ingenuous question surprised everyone.
• Her ingenuous nature made her an easy target for scammers.

Used to describe someone who lacks experience, wisdom, or judgement. Often carries a negative connotation, suggesting gullibility or lack of sophistication.

• His naive approach to business led to several costly mistakes.
• She was too naive to see the danger she was in.

Describes someone who is simple, natural, and without pretension or deceit. Often used positively to highlight purity or genuine nature.

• Her artless charm and sincerity won everyone's hearts.
• The painting had an artless beauty that was captivating.

Refers to someone who is straightforward and sincere, with no hidden motives or deceit. Typically used to express genuine honesty and trustworthiness.

• He had a guileless smile that made people trust him instantly.
• Her guileless demeanor reassured everyone in the room.