ingenuous
UK: ɪnˈdʒen.ju.əs | US: ɪnˈdʒen.ju.əs
adj. openly straightforward or frank; free from reserve or deceit
adj. innocent or unsuspecting due to lack of worldly experience
Derived from Latin ingenuus ("native, freeborn, honest"), from in- ("in") + gignere ("to beget"). Originally described someone of noble birth (literally "born free"), later evolving to imply innate honesty or simplicity. The modern sense reflects a lack of artifice, contrasting with its antonym disingenuous.
Her ingenuous smile made it clear she had no hidden agenda.
The child’s ingenuous questions revealed a pure curiosity.
Critics praised the film’s ingenuous portrayal of rural life.
His ingenuous apology disarmed even the angriest opponents.
In an age of cynicism, her ingenuous optimism was refreshing.