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candide

naive

adjective kahn-DEED Rare

Origin: Latin candidus, pure white

Also means

ingenuous

Usage Note

Candide describes a person of innocent, unsuspecting simplicity — not stupid, but trusting. It is best known as the name of Voltaire's satirical hero Candide (1759), whose naive worldview is constantly shattered by reality. The word carries a literary flavour that educated French speakers appreciate.

Examples

"Son regard candide désarmait tout le monde."

Natural Translation

His naive gaze disarmed everyone.

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