blissful ignorance

[ blis-fuhl ig-ner-uhns ]

noun

1. the condition of being unaware, and often choosing to remain unaware, of complex issues, negative circumstances, etc., that might be distressing:

   Many people likely have hypertension and don't know it, living out their lives in blissful ignorance.

   To assume a stance of blissful ignorance about abuses in our own institution is nothing short of cowardice.

Other Words From

• bliss·ful·ly ig·no·rant [blis, -f, uh, l-ee , ig, -ner-, uh, nt], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blissful ignorance¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Sharon Begley on how a rosy outlook could be more like blissful ignorance.

From The Daily Beast

Blissful ignorance and a natural buoyant optimism sustained the lad, it would be cruel to take them away, the resident thought.

From Project Gutenberg

Little Mabel Ashbridge slept on in blissful ignorance of the awful fate impending over her childish head.

From Project Gutenberg

In blissful ignorance of any danger, the passengers and most of the crew went the daily round of pleasure or duty.

From Project Gutenberg

The next scene is in the lodgings of Christine on the eve of that duel of which the love-stricken girl is in blissful ignorance.

From Project Gutenberg

Blissful ignorance of the abyss of preventible misery which exists in Edinburgh is impossible now.

From Project Gutenberg