innocent
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈɪnəsənt/
KK: /ˈɪnəsənt/
adjective
Definition
Not having done anything wrong or illegal; free from guilt or blame.
Example
The jury found her innocent of all charges.
Conversation
Do you think kids are innocent until they grow up?
Absolutely! They see the world in such a pure way.
It's kind of sad when they lose that innocent perspective.
Yeah, but it's part of growing up and learning about life.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
naive
pure
blameless
Antonyms
guilty
corrupt
wicked
noun
Definition
A person who is not guilty of any crime or wrongdoing, often seen as pure or naive.
Example
The innocent child played happily in the park, unaware of the dangers around her.
Conversation
I saw that little girl playing in the park today; she looked so innocent and happy.
Yeah, kids have that amazing ability to enjoy the little things.
It really reminds me of how innocent they are before life gets complicated.
Root Explanation
Innocent → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "nocere" (meaning to harm or hurt). The word "innocent" describes someone who is not harmful or does not cause harm, often implying purity or lack of guilt.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is 'not' ('in-') capable of 'harming' ('nocere') others — that's why we call them innocent.
Visually Confused Words
uninnocent
nocent
vincent
uninnocently
incognoscent