ingenuous

Definition

Innocent and unsuspecting; showing childlike simplicity and lack of guile or worldly experience.

Etymology

From Latin 'ingenuus,' meaning 'native, freeborn,' from 'in-' (in) and 'gignere' (to beget). Originally referred to someone born free rather than enslaved, implying noble character and honesty, which evolved into the modern sense of innocent sincerity.

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