ingenuous

[ɪnˈdʒenjuəs]

ingenuous Definition

• 1. (of a person or action) innocent and unsuspecting
• 2. simple and honest, showing childlike innocence

Using ingenuous: Examples

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

• Example

  He was so ingenuous that I couldn't help but trust him.

• Example

  Her ingenuous smile made everyone feel at ease.

• Example

  The ingenuous approach to problem-solving often yields the best results.

ingenuous Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ingenuous

• naive
• unsuspecting
• artless
• guileless
• innocent

Antonyms for ingenuous

• cunning
• sly
• deceitful

Phrases with ingenuous

• ingenuous charm

  a natural and unaffected way of behaving that is attractive and endearing

  Example

  Her ingenuous charm won over even the most skeptical members of the audience.

• ingenuous question

  a question that is asked in a sincere and straightforward manner, without any hidden agenda

  Example

  His ingenuous question caught the speaker off guard.

• ingenuous remark

  a comment that is made in a spontaneous and honest way, without any attempt to deceive or manipulate

  Example

  Her ingenuous remark revealed a deep understanding of the issue at hand.

Origins of ingenuous

from Latin 'ingenuus', meaning 'inborn, native'

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Summary: ingenuous in Brief

'Ingenuous' [ɪnˈdʒenjuəs] describes a person or action that is innocent, unsuspecting, and honest, often with a childlike quality. It can refer to a person's behavior, such as an 'ingenuous smile,' or a problem-solving approach, as in 'The ingenuous approach to problem-solving often yields the best results.' Synonyms include 'naive' and 'unsuspecting,' while antonyms include 'cunning' and 'deceitful.'