Guileless

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈɡaɪl.ləs/

Definitions

1. Free from deceit or cunning; innocent and sincere.
2. Lacking guile, trickery, or duplicity.

Usage Examples

• Her guileless nature made her easy to trust but also easy to deceive.
• He had a guileless smile that put everyone at ease.
• Despite his intelligence, he remained guileless and never resorted to deception.

Etymology

Derived from "guile" (from Old French "guile," meaning trickery or deception) + suffix "-less," meaning without.

Synonyms

• Honest
• Sincere
• Naive
• Innocent
• Trusting

Antonyms

• Deceptive
• Cunning
• Crafty
• Tricky
• Sly

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• US: /ˈɡaɪl.ləs/
• UK: /ˈɡaɪl.ləs/
• Australia: /ˈɡaɪl.ləs/

Historical Usage

The term "guileless" has been used in literature and philosophy to describe individuals who are pure-hearted and free from deceit. It often appears in religious and moral discussions about sincerity and honesty.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, guilelessness is seen as a virtue, symbolizing purity and honesty. However, in competitive environments, it can sometimes be viewed as a weakness, as guileless individuals may be taken advantage of.

More Information

Guilelessness is often discussed in psychology and social studies. It is sometimes linked to childlike innocence and is contrasted with the calculated behavior seen in highly strategic individuals. Some philosophical traditions, such as Taoism, emphasize guilelessness as an ideal state of being.