ingénue
Say it: AN-zhuh-noo /ˈænʒeɪnjuː/ · noun
What “ingénue” means
An innocent young woman, especially a character on stage or screen.
More precisely: An innocent, naive young woman, especially as a role in a play or film.
Example: “She's tired of being cast as the ingénue and wants a villain role.”
When to use it
When discussing an innocent young female character or that type of acting role, usually in theatre or film conversation.
Similar words
innocent, naif, newcomer
Where it comes from
French, feminine of ingénu 'ingenuous, naive'.
Quick check
An actor plays a trusting young woman who knows little of the world in a romantic comedy. Her role is…
an ingénue or a femme fatale?
Show the answer
an ingénue
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