blissful ignorance

[blis-fuhl ig-ner-uhns]

noun

1. the condition of being unaware, and often choosing to remain unaware, of complex issues, negative circumstances, etc., that might be distressing.

   Many people likely have hypertension and don't know it, living out their lives in blissful ignorance.

   To assume a stance of blissful ignorance about abuses in our own institution is nothing short of cowardice.

Other Word Forms

• blissfully ignorant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blissful ignorance¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

If almost any other manager admitted such blissful ignorance, people would think they were at it.

Read more on BBC

Prosecutor Richard Wright was incredulous at his claims, telling jurors: "According to Graham he didn't go out all night and Carruthers took his car and phone while he slept in blissful ignorance, and his large dog let out not so much as a growl."

Read more on BBC

Only so mature, though; one theme of the novel is that some industries are determined to sustain a level of blissful ignorance and powerlessness.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Our solution: I pay the bill, he never sees it, and he enjoys a blissful ignorance.

Read more on Washington Post

“I enjoy speaking in school and helping old people at the nursing home — it keeps me fit,” Gorban said with a cheeky smile and in blissful ignorance of the fact that she’s turning 90 in August.

Read more on Seattle Times