Ingénue (en. Naive)
/ɛ̃ʒəny/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
noun
A person, especially a young woman, who is of great innocence and naivety.
She plays the role of the ingenue in the play.
Elle joue le rôle de l'ingénue dans la pièce de théâtre.
In the theatrical and cinematic field, a typically pure and misinformed character.
The ingenue of this film is captivating with her innocence.
L'ingénue de ce film est captivante avec son innocence.
A term often used to designate a beautiful but naive young woman.
Her way of speaking made her even more ingenue.
Sa façon de parler la rendait encore plus ingénue.
Etymology
From French, designating an innocent young girl, coming from the Latin 'ingenuitas'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to be an ingenue
To be very naive or innocent.
être une ingénue
to play the role of the ingenue
To act in a candid and naive manner.
jouer le rôle de l'ingénue
the ingenue in a script
An idealistic and defenseless female character.
l'ingénue dans un scénario
Related Words
innocence
Absence of malice or guilt.
innocence
naivety
The character of someone who lacks experience or caution.
naïveté
candid
One who is free from all malice or hypocrisy.
candide
Slang Meanings
A naive girl or woman who easily believes compliments.
She easily falls into traps; she's a true ingenue.
Elle tombe facilement dans des pièges, c'est une vraie ingénue.
A person who is overly confident in the beauty of life.
With her optimism, she is definitely an ingenue.
Avec son optimisme, elle est définitivement une ingénue.