C1adverbpsychologysociety
US/naɪˈiːv.li/
UK/naɪˈiːv.li/
in a way that shows too little experience or too much trust in other people
In context
She naively believed that the company would never fire anyone.
We naively assumed the roads would be empty on a holiday weekend.
He naively trusted a stranger with his savings and lost everything.
Words that go with naively
adverb + verb
- naively believeThey naively believe every advertisement they see.
- naively assumeMany tourists naively assume that taxis are always safe.
- naively trustHe naively trusted the first offer he received.
- naively thinkI naively thought the job would be easy.
- naively hopeShe naively hoped the problem would solve itself.
adverb + adjective
- naively optimisticThe plan seems naively optimistic about costs.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He is naively about money.Correct: He is naive about money.