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.
Related Words
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