(also naïve ) / naɪˈiːv; NAmE / adjective
1.
( disapproving ) lacking experience of life, knowledge or good judgement and willing to believe that people always tell you the truth :
to be politically naive
I can't believe you were so naive as to trust him!
a naive question
2.
( approving ) ( of people and their behaviour ) innocent and simple
SYN artless :
Their approach to life is refreshingly naive.
—compare sophisticated
3.
( technical ) ( of art ) in a style which is deliberately very simple, often uses bright colours and is similar to that produced by a child
► naive·ly (also naïve·ly ) adverb :
I naively assumed that I would be paid for the work.
► naiv·ety (also naïv·ety ) / naɪˈiːvəti; NAmE / noun [ U ]:
They laughed at the naivety of his suggestion.
She has lost none of her naivety.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from French naïve , feminine of naïf , from Latin nativus native, natural.