naïfly

comparative more naïfly · superlative most naïfly

1. alternativeAlternative form of naively.

   Not the least curious incident connected with this Nizam matter is the naïf and naïfly expressed vexation of the Irish Nationalist papers.

   1887 October 1, The Saturday Review of Politics, Literature, Science, and Art, volume 64, number 1,666, page 443

   5 more examples

   Lord Camell rattled constantly across—it preying excessively upon his fancies, that Emile should so let the “saison” slip-by—naïfly expounding, “there was a time for all things”—stoutly asseverating, an occasional “scurry with the D⸺s” must eminently brace the moral tone of the understanding—and plighting himself to wholly forswear hunting, till gratified by the comradeship of his ancient brother of the chase.

   1846, Social Influences: or Villiers, volume III, London: T. C. Newby, page 228

   There was a strong element of the child in this wild-looking fellow; and now he appeared most naïfly surprised and pleased to find that he was so clever as to be able to help in surveying-work.

   1911, Walter Larden, Argentine Plains and Andine Glaciers: Life on an Estancia, and an Expedition Into the Andes, page 234

   Most of them are nonsense or mare’s nests, but now and then a profound secret slips out as naïfly as a child sometimes reveals a family skeleton.

   1915, Woodrow Wilson, The Papers of Woodrow Wilson: July 21-September 30, 1915, published 1980, page 17

   Nevertheless, all this merited respect for an industrious and inoffensive man is bound, soon or late, to yield to a critical examination of the artist within, and that examination, I fear, will have its bitter moments for those who naïfly accept the current Howells legend.

   1917 January, H. L. Mencken, “Suffering among Books”, in The Smart Set, volume LI, number 1, page 266

   They stood looking at each other for a moment. Curt Franklin’s eyes naïfly revealing his pleasure, and Gertrude consciously enjoying that revelation.

   1925, Inez Haynes Irwin, Gertrude Haviland’s Divorce, page 243