INNOCENCE

Definition of INNOCENCE

INNOCENCE Noun

Innocence is a noun that denotes a lack of guilt, wrongdoing, or moral corruption. It encompasses several key aspects:

Purity and Naivety: Innocence is often associated with purity of heart and mind, as well as a lack of knowledge or experience regarding worldly evils. It reflects a state of naivety or simplicity, free from the taint of wrongdoing or malice.

Unspoiled Character: Innocence suggests an unspoiled character and untainted moral integrity. It involves sincerity, genuineness, and a lack of deceit or ulterior motives in one’s actions and intentions.

Childlike Trust and Openness: Innocence embodies a childlike trust and openness towards others, characterized by an absence of suspicion or cynicism. It involves the belief in the inherent goodness of people and the world, despite potential dangers or disappointments.

Vulnerability and Protection: Innocence implies vulnerability and the need for protection from harm or exploitation. It highlights the importance of safeguarding the innocence of children and preserving their sense of wonder, curiosity, and trust in a world that can sometimes be harsh or unforgiving.

In summary, innocence represents a state of purity, sincerity, and unspoiled character, free from guilt or moral corruption. It encompasses qualities such as purity of heart, childlike trust, and openness towards others, highlighting the need to protect and preserve the innocence of individuals, particularly children, in a complex and often morally ambiguous world.

INNOCENCE in a sentence

  • The jury’s verdict proclaimed his innocence, and he was set free.
  • Her wide-eyed innocence made everyone instantly like her.
  • He maintained his innocence throughout the trial, insisting he was falsely accused.
  • The child’s laughter was a pure expression of innocence and joy.
  • They fought to prove the innocence of the wrongly convicted man.
  • The painting captured the innocence of childhood with its bright colors and playful subjects.
  • His eyes conveyed a sense of innocence that made it hard to believe he was guilty of any crime.
  • The lawyer’s passionate defense focused on his client’s innocence, highlighting the lack of evidence.

Etymology of INNOCENCE

The term innocence is derived from the Latin word “innocentia,” which combines “in-” (meaning “not”) and “nocere” (meaning “to harm”). Here’s the breakdown:

  • In- (Latin): Prefix indicating negation or absence, in this case, “not.”
  • Nocere (Latin): Meaning “to harm” or “to injure.”

Therefore, innocence originally meant “not to harm” or “not guilty of harm.” It has evolved to predominantly denote the state or quality of being free from guilt, blame, or wrongdoing.

The term emphasizes purity, lack of corruption, or the absence of culpability. It is often used to describe individuals who are considered blameless, virtuous, or untainted by misconduct or wrongdoing.

Synonyms

  • Purity
  • Naivety
  • Guiltlessness
  • Virtue
  • Simplicity
  • Nescience
  • Blamelessness
  • Uprightness

Antonyms

  • Guilt
  • Culpability
  • Corruption
  • Sinfulness
  • Guiltiness
  • Blameworthiness
  • Impurity
  • Depravity

Related

  • Naivety
  • Purity
  • Trust
  • Honesty
  • Integrity
  • Virtue
  • Uprightness
  • Blamelessness

🌐 🇬🇧 INNOCENCE in other languages

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