naively
UK[naɪˈiːvli]US[naɪˈiːvli]
adv
in a way that shows a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment, often by being too willing to trust or believe things.
adv
in a simple, unaffected, or unsophisticated manner.
Morpheme Breakdown
naiv
e
ly
naiv
simple, natural
e
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'naively' is built upon the adjective 'naive', borrowed into english from french in the 17th century. the french 'naïf' (masculine) and 'naïve' (feminine) derive from the latin 'nativus', meaning 'native, natural, innate'. this latin term itself originates from 'natus', the past participle of 'nasci' (to be born). the core semantic thread connects the idea of being 'born with' or 'in a natural state' to a lack of artificiality or worldly experience. the adverbial suffix '-ly', of germanic origin, was appended in english to form the adverb, completing the journey from a latin concept of innate quality to a modern english term describing an unsuspecting or simplistic manner of action.
Analysis
Structure: naiv (simple, natural) + e + ly (adverb suffix)
- naiv: from french 'naïf' (feminine 'naïve'), meaning natural, native, ingenuous; ultimately from latin 'nativus' meaning innate, natural.
- e: a french feminine suffix, retained in the english borrowing.
- ly: from old english '-līce', an adverbial suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
he naively assumed the email was from a legitimate source.
the plan was naively optimistic and failed to account for practical difficulties.
she approached the complex political debate with a naively simple solution.