Definition

In a way that shows a lack of experience or sophistication; simply or innocently.

Example

She naively believed that everyone would be honest with her.

Conversation

I thought it would be easy to get the job, but I was being too naively optimistic.

Yeah, sometimes the competition is tougher than we expect.

I should have done more research before applying.

True, but it's good to be hopeful, even if we act a bit naively sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Naively → It is formed from "naive" (from French *naïf*, meaning natural or innocent) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "naively" means in a manner that is innocent or lacking in experience.

Memory Tip

Think of someone acting in a 'natural' way ('naive') and doing so 'in a manner' ('-ly') that shows innocence or lack of experience.

Visually Confused Words