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Ingenious and Ingenuous

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The adjective ingenious means extremely clever--marked by inventive skill and imagination. Ingenuous means straightforward, candid, without guile.

Examples:

  • "To read of a detective's daring finesse or ingenious stratagem is a rare joy." (Rex Stout)
  • She was enchanted by his ingenuous expression and frank blue eyes.

Practice:

(a) Her plan was _____, but she lacked the courage to carry it out.

(b) She flashed a wide, _____ smile.

Answers to Practice Exercises

Glossary of Usage: Index of Commonly Confused Words

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