naiveté

Also na·ive·ty,
Or na·ïve·té,

[nah-eev-tey, -ee-vuh-tey, -eev-tey, -ee-vuh-]

noun

1. the quality or state of being naive; natural or artless simplicity.

2. a naive action, remark, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of naiveté¹

First recorded in 1665–75; from French; naive, -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

Swift sings more than once about legacy and inheritance on this album: “Father Figure,” which interpolates George Michael’s late-’80s classic of the same name, is narrated by a mentor who’s betrayed by his protégé; the Broadway-ish title track, which closes the album with a feature from Sabrina Carpenter, tracks the aspirations of a showbiz hopeful from fresh-faced naivete to all-knowing cynicism.

From Los Angeles Times

In the trailer, the titular Bride is the unknowing product of Frank and the doctor’s dark scheme, alternating between loyal naivete to her companion and a lingering curiosity about where she comes from.

From Los Angeles Times

Sampson exudes the type of combination of optimism and naïvete endemic to a man who grew up wealthy.

From Salon

“Please,” my line companion crowed at a fellow sista’s naivete.

From Salon

He’s self-satisfied and loves to have people fawn over him, but his star is still nascent enough for Oliver to retain some naivete.

From Salon