harmless
word
Definition
If someone or something is harmless, they do not cause danger, damage, or injury. It can also describe behavior, jokes, or mistakes that are not serious.
Usage & Nuances
Common with nouns like 'harmless joke', 'harmless snake', and 'harmless mistake'. It suggests there is no real danger, but sometimes people use it to minimize something that still bothers others. Do not confuse it with 'safe': 'harmless' focuses on not causing harm, while 'safe' is broader.
Example Sentences
This spider looks scary, but it is harmless.
basic
It was just a harmless joke.
basic
The mistake was harmless, so don't worry.
basic
He seems weird at first, but he's totally harmless.
natural
Most of the comments were annoying, but basically harmless.
natural
Don't panic — the app asking for that permission is probably harmless.
natural