Ingenuous

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ɪnˈdÊ’É›n.ju.É™s/

Origin

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

Full definition of ingenuous

Adjective

1. Naive and trusting.
2. Demonstrating childlike simplicity.
• 1919, William Somerset Maugham, ,"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.

Synonyms

Antonyms

• disingenuous

Usage notes

Do not confuse with ingenious.