naivete

[na-eev-tey]

naivete Definition

• 1. lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment
• 2. innocence or unsophistication

Using naivete: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "naivete" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  His naivete made him an easy target for the scam artist.

• Example

  She approached the situation with refreshing naivete.

• Example

  The film explores the naivete of youth and the harsh realities of adulthood.

naivete Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for naivete

• ingenuousness
• simplicity
• credulity
• gullibility
• naiveness

Antonyms for naivete

• sophistication
• worldliness

Phrases with naivete

• feigned naivete

  pretending to be naive or innocent in order to deceive others

  Example

  Her feigned naivete fooled many people into trusting her.

• preserve one's naivete

  to maintain one's innocence or lack of experience despite exposure to the world's harsh realities

  Example

  Despite working in the industry for years, she managed to preserve her naivete and optimism.

• lose one's naivete

  to become less innocent or naive due to exposure to the world's harsh realities

  Example

  After experiencing the harsh realities of life, she lost her naivete and became more cynical.

Origins of naivete

from French 'naïveté', from Old French 'naïf', meaning 'natural, genuine'

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Summary: naivete in Brief

'Naivete' [na-eev-tey] refers to a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment, often accompanied by innocence or unsophistication. It can be seen as a refreshing perspective, but also makes one vulnerable to deception. Phrases like 'feigned naivete' and 'preserve one's naivete' highlight the potential for deception or the desire to maintain innocence. The opposite of naivete is sophistication or worldliness.