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

In her telling, she was, until just five years ago, a complete naif about climate change.

From The Daily Beast

Cole, who once served as a special counsel investigating the House Bank scandal, is no political naif.

From The Daily Beast

For three and a half decades, Naif oversaw the ministry of the interior, which brutally repressed liberals and dissidents.

From The Daily Beast

Saudi newspapers demanded an investigation, but it was Naif who ordered an end to all editorials on the subject.

From The Daily Beast

The ascent of Naif spells the death of reform and human rights in Saudi Arabia.

From The Daily Beast

Of course you should really go to the theological seminary and establish this naif intuitive mysticism upon a disciplined basis.

From Project Gutenberg

Their naif delight at the varied skill of the riders was most charming to witness.

From Project Gutenberg

Being a lump of simplicity, his sceptism was as naif as his enthusiasm.

From Project Gutenberg

I was laboriously 'graceful;' and sported my 'naif sensibility' till it was any thing but naif.

From Project Gutenberg

Strange enough, and I confess it with naif delight, I did not feel at all afraid.

From Project Gutenberg