B1adjectivelawcrime
US/ˈɪn.ə.sənt/
UK/ˈɪn.ə.sənt/
not guilty of a crime; also not involved, or having no experience of bad things in life
In context
The court found him innocent after three months in prison.
Many innocent people were hurt when the building collapsed.
It was an innocent question, but she seemed upset by it.
Words that go with innocent
adjective + noun
- innocent peopleThe war killed thousands of innocent people.
- innocent victimThe child was an innocent victim of the attack.
- innocent mistakeIt was an innocent mistake, so don't be angry.
verb + adjective
- prove innocentThe new evidence proved him innocent.
adjective + preposition
- innocent ofShe was innocent of all the charges.
adverb + adjective
- completely innocentHe insists he is completely innocent.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The court said he is no guilty.Correct: The court found him innocent. / The court found him not guilty.