Meaning & Definition of Ingenuous in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Characterized by a simple, honest, and innocent nature.

  Example Sentence: Her ingenuous smile made everyone feel comfortable.

• Definition: Not alert or aware; lacking sophistication.

  Example Sentence: He was too ingenuous to see the deception.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• keeping it ingenuous: Being straightforward and honest without any pretense.
• ingenuous charm: A natural and unpretentious quality that attracts others.

Translations

• Spanish: ingenuo

• French: ingénu

• German: naiv

• Russian: невинный

Related Words

• naivety: The quality of being naive; lack of experience or sophistication.

• candor: The quality of being open and honest in expression.

Slang Meanings of ingenuous

• Meaning: Being too trusting or gullible.

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

• Meaning: A charming and unpretentious person.

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