Meaning & Definition of word "Innocent"

Innocent

/ˈɪnəsənt/

noun:

  • 1. A person who is not guilty of a crime; someone who is innocent.
    • Example: The innocent should not suffer due to the actions of the guilty.

adjective:

  • 1. Not guilty of a crime or offense; having no knowledge of something wrong.
    • Example: The jury found her innocent of all charges.
  • 2. Free from moral wrong; lacking in guile or deceit.
    • Example: He had an innocent demeanor that made people trust him.
  • 3. Lacking experience or sophistication; naive.
    • Example: The innocent young girl believed everything she was told.
  • 4. Not causing harm or damage.
    • Example: She made an innocent mistake that was easily corrected.

Etymology

From Latin 'innocens', meaning 'not harming, harmless'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

innocent until proven guilty:

A legal principle that one is considered innocent unless prove otherwise.

innocent bystander:

A person who is uninvolved in an event but is affected by it.

innocent parties:

Individuals who are not guilty of wrongdoing.

Related Words

innocence:

The state of being innocent; lack of guilt.

innocuous:

Not harmful or offensive.

innocently:

In a manner that is not harmful or sinful.

Slang Meanings of innocent

Meaning: Goody two-shoes

Example Sentence: He always followed the rules so everyone called him a goody two-shoes.

Meaning: Pure as the driven snow

Example Sentence: She acts pure as the driven snow, but we all know she has her secrets.