naive

Definitions

naiv is the French-routed variant of nat (born), from Latin nātīvus, "natural, native." It first meant "fresh and unspoiled, like a newborn" — a compliment. But being untouched by experience slid into being untaught by it, so the praise hardened into a mild criticism: so unworldly you trust too easily.

Why It Means This

Notice the spelling clue: naive often keeps its French diaeresis (naïve) and is pronounced /nʌɪˈiːv/ — two syllables, the i and the e sounded separately. This French route is why it doesn't look like its cousins native and natal, even though all three come from the same Latin nātīvus.

Common Collocations

• 1.naive about对……天真
• 2.a naive belief天真的信念
• 3.naive optimism天真的乐观
• 4.naive enough to天真到……
• 5.politically naive政治上幼稚

Example Sentences

• 1.

  It was naive of me to think he'd pay me back.

• 2.

  She has a naive faith that everything will work out.

• 3.

  The gallery features naive paintings by self-taught artists.

Easily Confused

naive vs innocent vs gullible. innocent means free of guilt or harmful intent (an innocent child). naive means lacking experience, so judgment is poor. gullible is the sharpest: so easily fooled that people take advantage of you. naive is the cause; gullible is the result.