Naively - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Naively means acting or thinking in a simple, innocent, or overly trusting way, often without awareness of potential risks or complexities. It suggests a lack of experience or sophistication.
Definition:
Acting with innocent simplicity, lacking experience or worldly wisdom.
Synonyms:
innocently, gullibly, trustingly, credulously
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
cynically, shrewdly, skeptically
Common Collocations:
naively optimistic, naively believe, naively trust, naively assume
Derivatives:
naivety, naive, naiveness
Usage Tips:
Use "naively" to describe actions done without suspicion or critical thinking. Avoid overuse in formal contexts.
Common Phrases:
naively hopeful, naively charming, take it naively
Etymology:
Derived from French "naïf," meaning natural or innocent; entered English in the 17th century.
Examples:
- 1. She smiled naively at the stranger’s offer.
- 2. He naively believed everything he read online.
- 3. They acted naively, unaware of the risks involved.
- 4. She answered the question naively and honestly.