ingenuous
Say it: in-JEN-yoo-us /ɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs/ · adjective
What “ingenuous” means
Openly honest and trusting, sometimes too trusting.
More precisely: Innocent, unsuspecting and openly honest, sometimes naively so.
Example: “Her ingenuous question — 'Why don't we just ask customers?' — changed the whole strategy.”
When to use it
A fairly formal, often affectionate description of someone whose honesty and trust make them seem innocent or inexperienced.
Similar words
naive, artless, guileless
Where it comes from
From Latin ingenuus, 'native, freeborn'; hence 'noble, frank'.
Quick check
A new pupil openly shares her worries and assumes everyone will be kind because she always is. She seems…
ingenuous or disingenuous?
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ingenuous
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