What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
naif
Example
The naif girl had a refreshing honesty about her. [naif: adjective]
Example
He was a naif in the world of politics, but his sincerity won over many supporters. [naif: noun]
naive
Example
She was naive to think that everyone had good intentions. [naive: adjective]
Example
His naive approach to business led to many costly mistakes. [naive: adjective]
Example
The plan was naive and impractical, with no consideration for potential obstacles. [naive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Naive is more commonly used than naif in everyday language. Naive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while naif is less common and may be considered archaic or pretentious.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between naif and naive?
Both naif and naive are considered formal words, but naif may be perceived as more pretentious due to its less common usage and alternative spelling.
