Innocuous
Adjective
Definition: Not harmful or offensive; causing no harm.
Synonyms: Harmless, Inoffensive, Safe, Benign
Antonyms: Harmful, Offensive, Dangerous
- The spider crawling on the wall was innocuous and posed no threat.
- The comment made by the speaker was innocuous and did not upset anyone.
- "Innocuous" sounds similar to "innocent" which can remind you of something that does no harm.
Etymology:
The word "innocuous" comes from the Latin word "innocuus," which means "harmless." The Latin word is derived from the combination of the negative prefix "in-" and "nocuus," meaning "hurtful" or "harmful."
Historical Usage:The usage of "innocuous" dates back to the early 17th century and has remained relatively consistent in its meaning throughout history.
Related Idioms:
"Innocuous-looking"
Explanation:Used to describe something that appears harmless but may have hidden dangers or negative consequences.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "innocuous" with "innocent."
Explanation:While the words are related, "innocuous" specifically refers to something that causes no harm, while "innocent" refers to someone or something free from guilt or wrongdoing.