English Dictionary

INNOCENTLY

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IPA (US): 

 Dictionary entry overview: What does innocently mean? 

INNOCENTLY (adverb)
  The adverb INNOCENTLY has 2 senses:

1. in a not unlawful mannerplay

2. in a naively innocent mannerplay

  Familiarity information: INNOCENTLY used as an adverb is rare.


 Dictionary entry details 


INNOCENTLY (adverb)


Sense 1

Meaning:

In a not unlawful manner

Context example:

he claimed to have purchased the contraband innocently

Pertainym:

innocent (free from evil or guilt)


Sense 2

Meaning:

In a naively innocent manner

Context example:

she smiled at him innocently

Pertainym:

innocent (lacking in sophistication or worldliness)


 Context examples 


I saw her innocently kiss her chosen husband on the cheek, and creep close to his bluff form as if it were her best support.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Elizabeth would not observe her; and when at last Kitty did, she very innocently said, “What is the matter mamma? What do you keep winking at me for? What am I to do?”

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

“But it does not signify if they do,” said Catherine, very innocently.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Amy said, "Everyone seemed waiting for something, and couldn't settle down, which was queer, since Father was safe at home," and Beth innocently wondered why their neighbors didn't run over as usual.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

On your side, my love, it was very innocently done.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

"But how in the name of the great Sardanapolis he knows you're goin' is what gets me," the dog-musher continued innocently.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

“About what?” he asked, so innocently that Wolf Larsen was disconcerted, while the others smiled.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

“That Barkis is willing,” I repeated, innocently. “Is that all the message?”

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Mr. Brooke made no comment as she returned the book to Meg, who said innocently, "I thought it was poetry."

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

The weather soon improved enough for those to move who must move; and Mr. Woodhouse having, as usual, tried to persuade his daughter to stay behind with all her children, was obliged to see the whole party set off, and return to his lamentations over the destiny of poor Isabella;—which poor Isabella, passing her life with those she doated on, full of their merits, blind to their faults, and always innocently busy, might have been a model of right feminine happiness.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)



 Learn English with... Proverbs 
"Waste not, want not." (English proverb)

"When there is heart, there is pain." (Albanian proverb)

"Ignorance is the worst acquaintance." (Arabic proverb)

"Where there's a will, there is a way." (Dutch proverb)



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