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Dictionary definition of ingenuous

Characterized by openness, innocence, and a lack of deceit or cunning.
"The politician's ingenuous speech won over the hearts of many voters."

Detailed meaning of ingenuous

An individual who is ingenuous is straightforward and sincere in their actions, thoughts, and expressions, often displaying a genuine and unassuming nature. This quality implies an absence of hidden agendas or ulterior motives, as the ingenuous person is transparent in their interactions and tends to trust others in a straightforward manner. Their demeanor reflects a genuine and pure outlook, which can be refreshing and endearing to those around them. In a world often marked by complexity and artifice, someone who is ingenuous stands out for their simplicity and honesty.

Example sentences of ingenuous

1. Her ingenuous approach to problem-solving allowed her to come up with creative solutions.
2. The young boy's ingenuous curiosity led him to explore the world around him.
3. The artist's ingenuous use of color and texture made their paintings stand out.
4. His ingenuous personality made him well-liked by all who knew him.
5. The child's ingenuous innocence was heartwarming to witness.
6. The writer's ingenuous writing style captivated readers with its simplicity and honesty.

History and etymology of ingenuous

The adjective 'ingenuous' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'ingenuus,' which means 'native,' 'freeborn,' or 'honest.' In its original sense, 'ingenuous' referred to individuals who were freeborn, particularly those of honorable birth. Over time, this term evolved in English to describe individuals who exhibit openness, innocence, and a lack of deceit or cunning in their behavior and demeanor. An ingenuous person is one who is straightforward and sincere, often displaying childlike honesty and transparency in their interactions. The etymology of 'ingenuous' underscores its historical connection to notions of freedom and honesty, emphasizing the qualities of openness and candor in describing individuals who are unspoiled by deceit or artifice.

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Further usage examples of ingenuous

1. The team's ingenuous strategy caught their opponents off guard and led to a win.
2. The designer's ingenuous use of materials resulted in a unique and stylish piece of clothing.
3. The chef's ingenuous combination of flavors resulted in a delicious and unexpected dish.
4. The scientist's ingenuous approach to research led to a groundbreaking discovery.
5. The entrepreneur's ingenuous business idea revolutionized the industry and made them a success.
6. Her ingenuous smile revealed her genuine happiness.
7. The child's ingenuous question caught the adults off guard.
8. Despite his success, he remained humble and ingenuous.
9. The ingenuous student asked thought-provoking questions during the lecture.
10. The politician's ingenuous promises were met with skepticism by the public.
11. The artist's ingenuous approach to painting captured the essence of the subject.
12. Her ingenuous nature made it easy for others to trust and confide in her.
13. The novel's ingenuous protagonist faced challenges with unwavering optimism.
14. The scientist's ingenuous experiment led to groundbreaking discoveries.
15. The ingenuous design of the product simplified its usability.

Synonyms

candid

genuine

spontaneous

honest

natural

open

sincere

true

trusting

unpretentious

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