Word of the Day - 09/23/25
ingenuous
/ɪn'dʒɛnjuəs/(adj.): lacking in sophistication or worldliness
Her ingenuous trust in the smooth-talking salesman led her to buy a faulty product.
(adj.): characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious
His ingenuous delight at the simple gift was heartwarming to witness.
Word Origin
The word 'ingenuous' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'ingenuus', meaning 'native, free-born, frank'. 'Ingenuus' is composed of the prefix 'in-' (in, within) and 'gignere' (to beget, to produce). The initial sense in English related to being noble or free-born, which later evolved to describe someone who is frank, open, artless, and innocent, reflecting the idea of natural or inherent honesty.
Words with a similar origin include 'genuine', which comes from Latin 'genuinus' (natural, native), also related to 'gignere'. 'Genius' also shares this root, deriving from Latin 'genius' (a guardian spirit, innate character), ultimately from 'gignere'. 'Indigenous' similarly stems from Latin 'indigena' (native), combining 'indi-' (within) and 'gignere'.