ENGLISH
REFERENCE

naive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌnaɪˈiv// UK //naɪˈiːv// naive

adj. showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment. You use this to describe someone who believes things too easily or doesn't understand how the world really works.

adj. demonstrating a lack of experience, sophistication, or critical judgment. Often implies a person is too willing to believe that others are honest or that situations are simple.


SIMPLE

He was naive to think the job would be easy.

CONTEXTUAL

Investors were criticized for being naive about the risks involved in the new housing market.

COMPLEX

The diplomat's naive approach to the negotiations failed to account for the deep-seated historical grievances that had stalled previous attempts at peace.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from French naïve, feminine form of naïf, from Latin nātīvus (“native, natural”). Doublet of native.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'about' or an infinitive ('naive to think').

Pitfall

He is very naivityHe is very naiveLearners often confuse the adjective 'naive' with the noun 'naivety'.

© 2026 English Reference