Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not causing or capable of causing harm, injury, or damage: Describes something that poses no danger or risk.
   • Innocent; not intended to cause offense or trouble: Describes a person, action, or remark that is well-meaning and without malice.

Usage and Examples

• General Use:

  • The spider looked scary but was completely harmless.
  • It was just a harmless joke; I didn't mean to upset anyone.
  • The substance has been tested and declared harmless to the environment.

• Describing Intent:

  • He's a harmless old man who enjoys telling stories.
  • Her comment was a harmless observation.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Harmless as a dove": An expression emphasizing extreme innocence or lack of threat.
  • Don't be fooled by his appearance; he's not always as harmless as a dove.
• "Render something harmless": To make a dangerous thing safe.
  • The bomb squad worked to render the device harmless.

Variants and Related Words

• Harmlessly (adverb): In a way that causes no harm.
  • The disagreement ended harmlessly with a handshake.
• Harmlessness (noun): The quality or state of being harmless.
  • The harmlessness of the chemical made it suitable for home use.

Synonyms

• Safe: Unlikely to cause harm.
• Innocuous: Not harmful or offensive.
• Benign: Gentle, kindly; not harmful.

Antonyms

• Harmful: Causing or capable of causing harm.
• Dangerous: Likely to cause injury or damage.
• Toxic: Poisonous; very harmful.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A harmless drudge: A humorous or self-deprecating term for a lexicographer or someone engaged in tedious but innocuous work. (This is a specialized, often literary reference.)
• More bark than bite: Describing something that seems threatening but is actually harmless.
  • His angry letters are usually more bark than bite; he's essentially harmless.

Adjective

1. not causing or capable of causing harm
   • harmless bacteria
   • rendered the bomb harmless