guileless
UK: ˈɡaɪl.ləs | US: ˈɡaɪl.ləs
adj. without deceit or cunning; innocent and sincere
guileless = guile<deceit> + less<without>
- guile: From Old French guile (deceit), ultimately from Proto-Germanic wīlō (trickery). Retains the meaning of cunning or slyness.
- less: A suffix of Old English origin (-lēas), meaning "without" or "free from."
Etymology Origin:
The word guileless combines guile, rooted in medieval trickery, with -less, a straightforward negation. It emerged in the 18th century to describe someone devoid of deceit, contrasting sharply with its Middle English origins in manipulation. The pairing reflects a clear linguistic logic: stripping away (-less) artifice (guile) to denote purity.
Her guileless smile put everyone at ease.
He was guileless in his admiration, unaware of others' ulterior motives.
The child’s guileless questions revealed a curious mind.
Critics praised the film’s guileless portrayal of rural life.
Despite his fame, he remained guileless and approachable.