wide-eyed
UK: ˌwaɪd ˈaɪd | US: ˌwaɪd ˈaɪd
adj. having eyes wide open, especially due to surprise, wonder, or innocence
adj. naive or inexperienced; overly trusting
The compound "wide-eyed" combines "wide" (Old English wīd, meaning "spacious" or "broad") and "eyed" (derived from Old English ēage, meaning "eye"). The term originally described a literal physical state of having eyes opened widely, often due to astonishment or fear. Over time, it gained a figurative sense of innocence or naivety, suggesting someone who looks at the world with uncritical openness. The logic mirrors the visual metaphor: widened eyes symbolize vulnerability or lack of worldly experience.
The children listened to the fairy tale with wide-eyed fascination.
She gave him a wide-eyed look of disbelief when he revealed the secret.
Tourists often explore the city with wide-eyed curiosity.
His wide-eyed optimism made him easy to deceive.
The puppy stared at the snow, wide-eyed and trembling.