ingenuous

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Contents

English [edit]

Etymology [edit]

From Latin ingenuus ("of noble character, frank")

Pronunciation [edit]

  • (US) IPA: /ɪnˈdʒɛn.ju.əs/

Adjective [edit]

ingenuous (comparative more ingenuous, superlative most ingenuous)

  1. Naive and trusting.
  2. Demonstrating childlike simplicity.
    • 1919, W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, ch. 12
      "Do you mean to say you didn't leave your wife for another woman?"
      "Of course not."
      "On your word of honour?"
      I don't know why I asked for that. It was very ingenuous of me.
  3. Unsophisticated; simple.
  4. Unable to mask one's feelings.
  5. Straightforward, candid, open, and frank.

Translations [edit]

unsophisticated, simple

Synonyms [edit]

Antonyms [edit]

Usage notes [edit]

Do not confuse with ingenious.

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