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naiv

naive, ingenuous

adjective na-EEF Rare

Origin: from French 'naïf', from Latin 'nativus' (natural, native)

Also means

credulous, unsophisticated

Usage Note

Naiv in German covers a range from the endearing simplicity of a child to foolish gullibility in adults. A naive Frage (naive question) may come from genuine curiosity rather than ignorance, but naiv glauben (to naively believe) implies credulity that should have been overcome.

Examples

"Es wäre naiv zu glauben, dass alle Menschen nur das Beste wollen."

Natural Translation

It would be naive to believe that all people only want the best.

Literal Translation

It would be naive to believe, that all people only the best want.

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