Naif

Pronunciation: /neɪˈiːf/

Definitions of naif

noun a naive or inexperienced person

Example Sentences

A1 The naif believed everything they were told without question.

A2 The naif was easily swayed by persuasive arguments.

B1 The naif's innocence made them vulnerable to scams.

B2 The naif's lack of experience led them to make poor decisions.

C1 The naif's simplistic worldview was charming yet limiting.

C2 The naif's naivete was endearing to some, but frustrating to others.

Examples of naif in a Sentence

formal The artist's work was praised for its naif style and simplistic charm.

informal She has a naif way of looking at the world, always seeing the best in people.

slang Don't be so naif, you need to be more street smart in this neighborhood.

figurative His naif belief in the goodness of humanity was shattered after experiencing a traumatic event.

Grammatical Forms of naif

• past tense: naifed
• plural: naifs
• comparative: more naif
• superlative: most naif
• present tense: naifs
• future tense: will naif
• perfect tense: have naifed
• continuous tense: is naifing
• singular: naif
• positive degree: naif
• infinitive: to naif
• gerund: naifing
• participle: naifed

Origin and Evolution of naif

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: French

Story behind the word: The word 'naif' originated from the French language, derived from the Old French word 'naif' meaning natural or simple.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe someone who is artless or innocent, the word 'naif' has evolved to also refer to a style of art characterized by simplicity and a childlike quality.