C2adverbformalemotionspsychology
US/ɪnˈdʒen.ju.əs.li/
UK/ɪnˈdʒen.ju.əs.li/
in an honest and innocent way, without hiding anything
In context
The boy ingenuously told the teacher all about his plan.
She asked ingenuously whether the price included tax.
He ingenuously admitted that he had never read the report.
Words that go with ingenuously
verb + adverb
- ask ingenuouslyThe child asked ingenuously why the sky was blue.
- say ingenuouslyHe said ingenuously that he trusted everyone.
- reply ingenuouslyHe replied ingenuously, with no sign of doubt.
- smile ingenuouslyThe girl smiled ingenuously at the stranger.
- confess ingenuouslyThe young clerk confessed ingenuously to his mistake.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He ingeniously believed the story.Correct: He ingenuously believed the story.