Type any word!

Ingenue Meaning in English

word

ˈɑndʒəˌnu/, /ˈɪnˌdʒɛnˌju/, /ˈɪndʒənu/, /ɪnˈdʒɛnu
AHN-zhuh-noo
ˌænʒeɪˈnjuː
an-zhay-NYOO

Definition

An ingenue is a young woman who is innocent, naive, and often plays such roles in theater or film. It can also refer to the character type itself.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in arts/entertainment to describe a role or type, not just a personality. Implies innocence and naivety, sometimes to the point of vulnerability. More formal or literary; rarely used in daily conversation except when discussing plays, films, or literature.

Example Sentences

The actress played the ingenue in the new play.

basic

She is often cast as the ingenue because of her youthful appearance.

basic

The ingenue in the film falls in love with the hero.

basic

Her fresh, honest smile made her the perfect choice for the ingenue role.

natural

In classic Hollywood, many stars started as the sweet ingenue before taking on more complex roles.

natural

People sometimes use ingenue as a gentle way to say someone is inexperienced or a bit naive.

natural