innocence
Americannoun
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the quality or state of being innocent; freedom from sin or moral wrong.
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freedom from legal or specific wrong; guiltlessness.
The prisoner proved his innocence.
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simplicity; absence of guile or cunning; naiveté.
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lack of knowledge or understanding.
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harmlessness; innocuousness.
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an innocent person or thing.
noun
Other Word Forms
- superinnocence noun
Etymology
Origin of innocence
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English word from Latin word innocentia. See innocent, -ence
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It should be noted that the presumption of innocence applies in favour of the accused," the prosecutor's office added.
From BBC
He has maintained his innocence but faces a possible life sentence.
From Los Angeles Times
"It's very difficult to understand why our innocence has not been said publicly. We are not spies. The charges against us are simply not true," said Foreman.
From BBC
“Regarding the 2013 conviction, it is important to note that I have always maintained my innocence.”
By then, Wiederhorn had stepped down as CEO while maintaining his innocence.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.