naiveté

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

/ nɑ ivˈteɪ, -ˌi vəˈteɪ, -ˈiv teɪ, -ˈi və- /

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

a naive action, remark, etc.

Nearby words

1665–75; < French; see naive, ity2

Charges of naivete, cluelessness, and “nonsense demagoguery” were hurled back and forth.
On CPAC Day 2, the Libertarian Wing Takes Over|Michelle Cottle|March 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Our naivete would soon force me to make a decision that would tip the balance of the campaign.
Life After AIPAC's False Dichotomies|Angela Zimmann|September 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In our naivete, we sometimes go rushing in where angels fear to tread.
Life After AIPAC's False Dichotomies|Angela Zimmann|September 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The program began to teeter under the weight of its own outsized expectations, questionable staffing decisions, and naivete.
Send in the Marines—and the Anthropologists too?|John Kael Weston|August 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST

At times the optimism bordered on naivete, suggesting possible conflicts down the road.
The Rebel Freshmen|Benjamin Sarlin|November 15, 2010|DAILY BEAST
"And he'll walk before me," responded Theodose with a naivete that touched the old maid.
The Lesser Bourgeoisie|Honore de Balzac
Aladdin, talking eagerly and with the naivete of a child, wondered why he had never liked this man so much before.
Aladdin O'Brien|Gouverneur Morris
All this she said with a charming air of naivete which enraptured while it grieved and convinced me.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe|Edgar Allan Poe
His naivete and innocence had been abused; and abominable things had gone on under his roof without his knowledge.
The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete|Emile Zola
But all he said was so prettily sedate, and the naivete of his youthful egotism was so obvious, that he disarmed his hearers.
War and Peace|Leo Tolstoy