B1adjective2K

Innocent

UK /["/ˈɪnəsnt/"]/US /["/ˈɪnəsnt/"]/

Definition

not guilty of a crime, etc.; not having done something wrong

In simple words: Not guilty or not responsible for something bad.

Examples

  • The child looked so innocent while playing in the garden.
  • He was accused of theft, but everyone knew he was innocent.
  • She gave an innocent smile that melted everyone's hearts.
  • The innocent bystander was caught in the middle of the argument.
  • Despite looking innocent, she has a mischievous side.

Usage notes

Use 'innocent' to describe someone who hasn't done anything wrong. It’s appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but be cautious when referring to serious accusations in sensitive situations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a white dove, symbolizing purity and innocence.

Collocations

  • be
  • plead
  • believe somebody
  • completely
  • entirely
  • totally
  • of
  • act
  • appear
  • be
  • very
  • sweetly
  • deceptively
  • sweet and innocent
  • act
  • appear
  • be
  • very
  • all
  • perfectly

Synonyms

  • naive
  • harmless

Antonyms

  • guilty
  • culpable
  • involved

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'naive' — 'innocent' suggests lack of wrongdoing, while 'naive' implies lack of experience.
  • Using 'innocent' to describe things like food or objects — it only describes people or their actions.
  • Mispronouncing the first syllable as 'inno-cent' instead of 'inn-uh-sent'.