guileless
Say it: GYLE-lus /ˈɡaɪlləs/ · adjective
What “guileless” means
Honest and sincere, with no hidden plan to fool anyone.
More precisely: Without cunning or deceit; innocent and sincere.
Example: “With his guileless smile, nobody suspected he'd planned the surprise party.”
When to use it
A warm, slightly literary word for an innocent smile, honest question or person who does not scheme.
Memory trick
Guile means cunning or deceit; the ending less tells you there is none.
Similar words
innocent, artless, trusting
Quick check
A child admits breaking a cup before anyone asks, explaining exactly what happened without excuses. The child's manner is…
calculating or guileless?
Show the answer
guileless
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “guileless”