Innocent

Definition

Innocent is an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it means free from guilt, sin, or wrongdoing. It can also describe someone who is naïve or inexperienced. As a noun, it refers to a person who is free from blame or someone unaware of wrongdoing.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnəsənt/
• Respelling: IN-uh-suhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnəsənt/
• Respelling: IN-uh-suhnt

Etymology

The word "innocent" originates from the Latin "innocens," meaning "harmless" or "blameless," derived from "in-" (not) and "nocens" (harming or guilty). It entered Middle English in the 14th century through Old French "innocent."

Derivatives

• Innocence (noun)
• Innocently (adverb)
• Innocuous (adjective)
• Innocentness (noun, rare)
• Uninocent (adjective, archaic)

Synonyms

• Blameless
• Guiltless
• Naïve

Antonyms

• Guilty
• Corrupt
• Sinful

Usage

The adjective "innocent" is often used to describe someone free of wrongdoing, such as "The court declared him innocent of the charges." It can also be used metaphorically, e.g., "Her innocent smile lit up the room." As a noun, it can refer to individuals who are unaware or blameless, e.g., "The innocents were caught in the crossfire."

Related Terms

• Purity: The state of being free from sin or moral wrong.
• Virtue: High moral standards or righteousness.
• Naivety: Lack of experience or sophistication.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Free from guilt or wrongdoing: Describes someone not responsible for a crime or offense.
  • Example: "The evidence proved she was innocent of any involvement."
• Harmless or not intended to cause harm: Refers to actions or intentions that are benign.
  • Example: "It was an innocent mistake."
• Naïve or inexperienced: Indicates a lack of worldly knowledge or sophistication.
  • Example: "He had an innocent view of the world."

Noun

• A person who is free from blame: Refers to someone exonerated from wrongdoing.
  • Example: "The innocent were released after the trial."
• A person unaware of wrongdoing: Refers to someone naïve or unacquainted with harm or deceit.
  • Example: "The innocents suffered during the conflict."