Basic Details
Word: Ingenuous
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Honest, straightforward, and innocent.
Synonyms: Naive, innocent, candid
Antonyms: Insincere, dishonest, cunning
Idioms and Phrases
- Ingenuous spirit: Refers to a person who is genuinely sincere and free from deceit. Example: "Her ingenuous spirit shone through in every conversation, making everyone feel comfortable."
- Ignorance is bliss, but ingenuousness is strength: Meaning that sometimes being naive can be a form of strength in being honest and secure in one's beliefs. Example: "Though he didnt know much about the world, his unapologetic honesty proved that ignorance is bliss, but ingenuousness is strength."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The child's ingenuous questions revealed his curious nature and genuine interest in learning.
Example 2: Her ingenuous smile made everyone feel welcome at the party.
Example 3: Despite the challenges she faced, her ingenuous approach to life kept her optimistic.
Fun Fact
The word "ingenuous" comes from the Latin word "ingenuus," which means "native" or "freeborn." It originally referred to someone born free and is conversationally linked to displaying a sense of purity and honesty.
Famous Quote
"There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and truth." - Leo Tolstoy
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "ingenuous" mean?
a) Deceitful
b) Honest and straightforward
c) Angry
d) Excited
Answer: b) Honest and straightforward
2. Which of these is a synonym of "ingenuous"?
a) Cunning
b) Naive
c) Disingenuous
d) Doubtful
Answer: b) Naive
3. Which sentence uses "ingenuous" correctly?
a) The ingenuous child alarmed everyone with her serious questions.
b) The officer was very ingenuous in his dealings with the public.
c) She wrote an ingenuous article full of complex jargon.
d) An ingenuous plan often leads to unexpected outcomes.
Answer: b) The officer was very ingenuous in his dealings with the public.
4. Which idiom relates to "ingenuous"?
a) Ignorance is bliss, but ingenuousness is strength
b) As mad as a hatter
c) A wolf in sheep's clothing
d) Put all your eggs in one basket
Answer: a) Ignorance is bliss, but ingenuousness is strength
5. What is the opposite of "ingenuous"?
a) Honest
b) Naive
c) Cunning
d) Open
Answer: c) Cunning
