Ingenuous

in-ˈjen-yə-wəs

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Open, innocent, and straightforward; lacking in cunning or sophistication.

Her ingenuous nature made it easy for others to trust her.

Sincere; naive; free from reserve or saboteur intent.

Despite his ingenuous comments, everyone appreciated his honesty.

Characterized by simplicity and candor.

The ingenuous child asked questions about everything without any hint of malice.

Lacking in the ability to disguise one's thoughts or feelings.

His ingenuous smile revealed his complete lack of understanding of the situation.

From Latin 'ingenuus', meaning 'native, free born, or noble'.

keeping it ingenuous:

Being straightforward and honest without any pretense.

ingenuous charm:

A natural and unpretentious quality that attracts others.

Being too trusting or gullible.

Don't be so ingenuous; not everyone has good intentions.

A charming and unpretentious person.

She's so ingenuous, you can't help but like her.