# naively

/nɑˈivɫi/ (US) · /naɪˈiːvli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/naively
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

to do something in a way that shows you have too much trust in people or lack experience. You act this way when you do not realize that a situation might be dangerous or complicated.

For teachers: in a manner showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgement. Often describes an action taken with an overly optimistic or simplistic view of a complex situation.

## Examples

- He naively believed that everyone would tell him the truth.
- She naively signed the contract without reading the fine print, assuming the company had her best interests in mind.
- The young diplomat naively assumed that a simple handshake would resolve decades of territorial disputes, failing to account for the deep-seated historical grievances involved.

## Usage notes

- Typically modifies verbs related to belief, expectation, or action; can also function as a sentence adverb to comment on the speaker's own past lack of judgement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.