Naivety Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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naivety

[naɪˈiːvəti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

lack of experience

Naivety is the state of being simple or childlike, often used to describe someone who lacks experience and is easily deceived or manipulated. It is characterized by a lack of worldly wisdom and an innocence that can make a person vulnerable.

Synonyms

credulousness, gullibility, innocence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
naivety	Appropriate when describing someone's simple and unquestioning trust or a lack of sophistication, often used in a neutral or slightly negative manner. Her naivety in business transactions made her an easy target for fraudsters He looked at the world with a naivety that was both endearing and impractical
innocence	Used to describe a state of being free from guilt or sin, or lacking experience with the darker aspects of human nature, typically in a positive light. The child's innocence was clear in her eyes He maintained his innocence throughout the trial
gullibility	Refers to a susceptibility to being easily deceived or tricked; a strongly negative term. The scam artists preyed on the gullibility of elderly people Her gullibility was exploited by almost everyone she met
credulousness	Best used when describing a tendency to believe things too readily and without proper evidence, often seen as a negative or critical trait. His credulousness led him to invest in several get-rich-quick schemes The author's argument falls apart when you consider his audience's credulousness

Examples of usage

He displayed his naivety by trusting strangers too easily.
Her naivety led her to believe everything she was told.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

artistic expression

Naivety can also refer to a style of art or writing that is characterized by a childlike simplicity and lack of sophistication. It often conveys a sense of innocence and purity in its portrayal of the world.

Synonyms

innocence, simplicity, unsophistication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
naivety	Refers to a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment, often used when someone is unaware of complexities or dangers. Her naivety led her to trust everyone she met. He tackled the project with a refreshing naivety.
simplicity	Denotes being straightforward or uncomplicated, often with positive connotations related to purity or elegance. The simplicity of the design made it both beautiful and functional. Sometimes, the beauty of life is in its simplicity.
unsophistication	Describes a lack of refinement or worldly experience, often negatively implying a lack of cultural or intellectual development. His unsophistication was apparent in his table manners. The book's unsophistication made it less appealing to critics.
innocence	Indicates purity and lack of guilt, often in a legal or moral sense. Commonly used for children or those uncorrupted by harsh realities. The child's innocence was evident in his eyes. She maintained her innocence throughout the trial.

Examples of usage

The artist's paintings were praised for their naivety and charm.
The novel was written in a style that captured the naivety of youth.

Translations

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

Origin of 'naivety'

The word 'naivety' comes from the French word 'naïveté', which is derived from the Latin 'nativitas', meaning 'naturalness' or 'innocence'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe a lack of sophistication or worldly experience.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,886 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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