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Innocently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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innocently

[หˆษชn.ษ™.sษ™nt.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a way that shows you are not guilty of a particular crime or wrongdoing.

Synonyms

blamelessly, guiltlessly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
innocently

Commonly used to describe someone who is not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, or has not done anything harmful, often interchangeable with 'innocently' but focuses more on the state of being without blame.

  • She was found guilty, but many still believed she was innocently accused.
  • He was innocently playing in the park when the accident happened.
guiltlessly

Often used when someone has no feelings of guilt or responsibility for a wrongdoing, can carry a slightly formal tone.

  • She guiltlessly enjoyed her vacation, knowing she had finished all her work.
  • He walked away guiltlessly, confident that he had done nothing wrong.
blamelessly

Used in more formal or serious contexts where someone is free of responsibility for a wrongdoing or mistake.

  • He lived his life blamelessly, always adhering to the highest moral standards.
  • The investigation concluded that the employee acted blamelessly in the matter.

Examples of usage

  • He pleaded innocently, insisting he had not stolen the money.
  • She looked up at him innocently, her big brown eyes wide with wonder.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that people who behave innocently are often perceived as more trustworthy.
  • Acting innocently can lead to a phenomenon called 'the halo effect', where others view a personโ€™s other traits more positively.

Literature

  • In many classic stories, characters who act innocently often find themselves in trouble due to their naivety.
  • William Blakeโ€™s poetry often contrasts innocence with experience, highlighting the purity of innocence in a complex world.

Cultural References

  • In art, themes of innocence are depicted through imagery of children or serene landscapes, invoking a sense of purity.
  • Film genres like family or fairy tales often include innocent characters who embody goodness, contrasting with evil antagonists.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often debate the concept of innocence, discussing whether it is a natural state or a social construct.
  • The idea of 'innocence' relates to moral discussions about right and wrong, especially in contexts of justice.

Origin of 'innocently'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'innocently' comes from the Latin word 'innocens', meaning 'harmless or not guilty'.
  • It has roots in the Old French word 'innocent', and the transition to English occurred around the 14th century.

The word 'innocently' originated from the Middle English word 'innocentli', which is a combination of 'innocent' and the suffix '-li' indicating manner or condition. The term has been in use since the 14th century, evolving over time to its current form. 'Innocently' is derived from the Latin word 'innocentem', meaning 'harmless' or 'guiltless'. The concept of innocence has been a central theme in literature, philosophy, and law throughout history.

See also: innocence.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,136, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.