naïf

or na·if

[ nah-eef ]

noun

1. a naive or inexperienced person.

adjective

1. naive.

naïf

/ naɪˈiːf /

adjective

1. a less common word for naive

Word History and Origins

Origin of naïf¹

First recorded in 1575–1600 ; from Middle French; masculine of naïve ( def )

Example Sentences

The naïf we meet in the beginning becomes something far more terrifying as he is empowered by his success, hopped up on janky diet pills, following rules imparted to him by his impossibly complicated father figure, Cohn.

From Los Angeles Times

Playing George Villiers, a man who evolves from a naïf into a political player negotiating peace between kingdoms in the 17th century, required the actor to sit with George and his layered interiority, along with learning how to convincingly die.

From Salon

It’s a classic hero’s journey as the young naïf leaves home and learns the harsh truth about the world.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s something of a wonder to watch Sweeney as she undertakes Sister Cecilia’s journey, transforming from a meek naïf into something unexpected and wild, her pious discipline falling away with every indignity.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s a frustrated naif trying to gain agency, to figure himself out.

From Los Angeles Times