innocently

Thân thiện

She smiled at him innocently across the classroom.

Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a manner showing a lack of guile, knowledge of evil, or intention to deceive: It describes an action done with simplicity, naivety, or without harmful intent.
   • In a manner that is not unlawful; without guilty knowledge or intent: It describes an action done without awareness of wrongdoing or illegality.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (Lack of Guile):

  • The child answered the stranger's question innocently, not sensing any danger.
  • "I didn't know it was a secret," she said innocently.

• Adverb (Without Illegal Intent):

  • He stated he had bought the antique statue innocently, unaware it was stolen property.
  • The company imported the goods innocently, having received forged documentation.

Advanced Usage

• "to plead innocently": In a legal context, to declare oneself not guilty.

  • The defendant pleaded innocently to all charges.

• "innocently enough": Used to introduce a statement or action that, while simple or harmless in itself, leads to complications.

  • Innocently enough, he asked about her previous job, which started a major argument.

Variants and Related Words

• Innocent (adjective): Not guilty of a crime or offense; without experience or knowledge of the more complex or unpleasant aspects of life.

  • He was found innocent of the charges.
  • She has an innocent view of the world.

• Innocence (noun): The state, quality, or fact of being innocent.

  • The evidence proved his innocence.
  • She lost her childhood innocence at an early age.

Synonyms

• Naively: In a manner showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.
• Guilelessly: In a manner free of sly or cunning intelligence; without deceit.
• Unwittingly: Without being aware; unintentionally (closer to the "without knowledge" sense).

Related Phrases

• To look/glance/smile innocently: To direct one's gaze or expression in a way that suggests naivety or a lack of hidden motives.
  • He looked innocently at the broken vase, but we knew he was responsible.

Idioms

• (As) innocent as a lamb: Completely innocent and harmless.
  • She appeared in court, looking as innocent as a lamb.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. in a naively innocent manner
   • she smiled at him innocently
2. in a not unlawful manner
   • he claimed to have purchased the contraband innocently