We use cookies for essential site function and analytics. How we use cookies

Wordabulary

ingenuous

Pronunciation
Adjective C1 Advanced

Quick answer

Innocent and trusting, sometimes to the point of being naive.

"His ingenuous belief that everyone was telling the truth got him into trouble more than once."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

naive artless

Antonyms

cynical worldly

Usage notes

Easily confused with "ingenious": ingenuous means naive, ingenious means clever.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "His _____ belief that everyone was telling the truth got him into trouble more than once."

Answer: ingenuous

In your own words, what does "ingenuous" mean?

Innocent and trusting, sometimes to the point of being naive.

Learn next at C1

Report a mistake on this page

Practice "ingenuous" until it sticks

A free account gives you spaced repetition, quizzes and progress tracking.

Sign up free