L'innocence (en. Innocence)

/l‿inɔsɑ̃s/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Quality of a person who is pure and without guilt.
The innocence of children is precious.
L'innocence des enfants est précieuse.
Absence of malice or trickery.
He articulates his ideas with such innocence.
Il articule ses idées avec une telle innocence.
Character of a thing that is flawless or has never been perceived as harmful.
The beauty of this landscape evokes innocence.
La beauté de ce paysage évoque l'innocence.

Etymology

Comes from the Latin 'innocentia', derived from 'innocens', meaning 'one who does no harm'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to lose one's innocence
To become aware of the realities of the world, often in a harsh way.
perdre son innocence
to gain innocence
To be restored to one's status as an innocent person after an accusation.
gagner l'innocence
innocence is a virtue
Means that innocence is often perceived as a positive moral quality.
l'innocence est une vertu

Related Words

innocent
One who is not guilty, who does no harm.
innocent
innocently
In a manner that demonstrates innocence.
innocemment
candor
Sincerity and simplicity, often associated with innocence.
candeur

Slang Meanings

To be too naïve
She is so innocent that she believes everything she is told.
Elle est tellement l'innocence qu'elle croit tout ce qu'on lui dit.
To act without thinking about the consequences
He behaves with an innocence that often puts him in complicated situations.
Il se comporte avec une innocence qui le met souvent dans des situations compliquées.