Ingenuous Meaning and Definition
Ingenuous
Pronunciation
/ɪˈndʒɛnjuəs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A quality of being good-natured, innocent, and sincere; free from deceit or guile.
Examples
- Her ingenuous smile put everyone at ease.
- The company’s ingenuous approach to transparency won over customers.
Synonyms
- Innocent
- Sincere
- Transparent
Antonyms
- Cynical
- Insincere
- Deceptive
Etymology
The English word ingenuous comes from the Latin “ingenuus”, meaning “natural” or “unaffected”.
Usage Notes
Ingenious is often used to describe a person’s personality or behavior, highlighting their honesty and good-naturedness.
Cultural References
Ingenious has been featured in various literature, film, and music, including works by Jane Austen, J.K. Rowling, and Taylor Swift.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Ingenious mind” refers to someone with a creative and innovative thinking.
Related Words or Phrases
- Noble
- Transparent
- Sincere
Collocations
- Ingenuous charm
- Ingenuous smile
- Ingenuous approach
Frequency of Use
The word ingenious is not as commonly used as other adjectives, but it is still frequently employed in literary and formal contexts.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings include “Ingenuis”, “Ingenous”, and “Ingenuus”.