naively
/naɪˈiːvli/
ADVERB
1. In a naive, innocent, or trusting manner
In a way that shows innocence, sincerity, or a lack of worldly experience, often involving excessive trust or an absence of suspicion.
1.1. Innocently and without guile
Used when someone acts or speaks with sincerity, openness, and innocence, without intending to deceive or manipulate others.
Synonyms
- artlessly
- candidly
- genuinely
- guilelessly
- honestly
- ingenuously
- innocently
- openheartedly
- openly
- sincerely
- unaffectedly
- unfeignedly
- unpretentiously
Antonyms
- affectedly
- artfully
- artificially
- craftily
- cunningly
- deceitfully
- deviously
- dishonestly
- hypocritically
- insincerely
- pretentiously
- slyly
- underhandedly
Examples
- She naively believed that everything would work out without any effort on her part.
- Despite the warnings, he naively trusted strangers on the internet with personal information.
- The young artist naively thought that success in the art world would come overnight.
Related Words
- innocence
- sincerity
- guilelessness
- artlessness
- candor
- openness
- trustfulness
- ingenuousness
- unaffectedness
1.2. With excessive trust or lack of judgment
Used when someone believes, behaves, or makes decisions without sufficient caution, skepticism, or consideration of possible risks and consequences.
Synonyms
- credulously
- foolishly
- stupidly
Antonyms
- cannily
- calculatingly
- cautiously
- shrewdly
- warily
- wisely
Examples
- Some people naively assume that good intentions alone can solve complex problems.
- He naively invested his entire savings in a risky business without doing proper research.
- The inexperienced buyer naively accepted the seller's claims without checking the facts.
Related Words
- gullibility
- credulity
- foolishness
- inexperience
- imprudence
- poor judgment
- trustfulness
- recklessness