harmless
/'hɑ:mlis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- not causing or capable of causing harm
- harmless bacteria
- rendered the bomb harmless