naifs

/neɪfs/

NOUN

1. People who are naive, innocent, or inexperienced

People who lack worldly experience, sophistication, or practical knowledge and are often innocent, trusting, or easily deceived.

1.1. Innocent and trusting people

Refers to people who are naturally innocent, sincere, and trusting, often showing little suspicion or awareness of deception and ill intentions.

Synonyms

  • angels
  • cherubim
  • cherubs
  • doves
  • ingenues
  • innocents
  • lambs
  • saints
  • softies

Examples

  • The young naifs believed that everyone they met had honest intentions.
  • The story portrays its naifs as innocent people who trust others without hesitation.
  • Despite their difficult surroundings, the naifs retained their sincerity and optimism.

Related Words

  • innocence
  • guilelessness
  • artlessness
  • sincerity
  • trustfulness
  • purity
  • simplicity

1.2. Inexperienced or uninitiated people

Refers to people who are new to an activity, profession, or situation and have limited practical knowledge or experience.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The experienced traders quickly recognized the naifs entering the market.
  • The training program was designed to help naifs understand the industry's basic practices.
  • As naifs in the field, they relied heavily on guidance from experienced colleagues.

Related Words

1.3. Gullible or easily deceived people

Refers to people who are excessively trusting or uncritical and can be easily tricked, manipulated, or exploited by others.

Synonyms

  • dupes
  • pigeons
  • saps
  • sheep
  • suckers

Examples

  • The scammers targeted naifs who were unfamiliar with common fraud schemes.
  • The dishonest salesman considered inexperienced customers easy naifs to deceive.
  • The advertisement was designed to persuade naifs into buying an unnecessary product.

Related Words

NOUN

2. Naive or unsophisticated artists and their works

Artists who create art with a simple, direct, and often untrained style, or artworks characterized by an innocent and unsophisticated approach.

2.1. Naive artists and folk-art creators

Refers to artists whose work displays simplicity, spontaneity, and a lack of formal artistic training or conventional academic techniques.

Synonyms

  • naive artists
  • folk artists
  • primitive artists

Examples

  • The gallery showcased a collection of colorful naifs that celebrated simplicity.
  • The artist's portfolio featured several naifs that captured the essence of folk art.
  • Collectors admired the expressive style of the naifs displayed in the exhibition.

Related Words

  • naive art
  • folk art
  • primitivism
  • outsider art
  • untrained artists
  • artistic simplicity