French Conversation · Level 11
89 words
French word
innocent
Pronunciation
IPA/inosɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectiveinnocent
Example
La petite fille est innocente et sourit tout le temps.
The little girl is innocent and smiles all the time.
More examples
L'enfant a un sourire innocent.
The child has an innocent smile.
Core concept
A clear, unguarded face and harmless behavior suggest innocence rather than cunning, with legal context extending the idea to no guilt.
Common phrases
avoir l'air innocent
look innocent
un sourire innocent
innocent smile
regard innocent
innocent look
Similar words
naïf: Lacking experience and too ready to believe what others say.
enfantin: Childlike in thought or expression, often simple or immature.
Definition in French
Qui n'a pas de mauvaise intention, qui paraît naïf et sans malice.
Word origin
The French word descends from Latin innocens, meaning 'harmless' or 'not causing harm', through the corresponding Old French form.
Usage tips
- In everyday French, innocent often describes a naive or guileless person, but legal contexts commonly use it for someone found not guilty.