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Innocently: meaning, definitions and examples

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innocently

 

[ˈɪn.ə.sənt.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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 person’s other traits more positively.

Literature

  • In many classic stories, characters who act innocently often find themselves in trouble due to their naivety.
  • William Blake’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "innocently" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inocentemente

🇮🇳 मासूमियत से

🇩🇪 unschuldig

🇮🇩 dengan polos

🇺🇦 невинно

🇵🇱 niewinnie

🇯🇵 無邪気に (むじゃきに)

🇫🇷 innocemment

🇪🇸 inocentemente

🇹🇷 masumca

🇰🇷 순진하게

🇸🇦 ببراءة

🇨🇿 nevinně

🇸🇰 nevinně

🇨🇳 无辜地 (wúgū de)

🇸🇮 nedolžno

🇮🇸 sakleysislega

🇰🇿 кінәсіз

🇬🇪 უდანაშაულოდ

🇦🇿 günahsızcasına

🇲🇽 inocentemente

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.