Today's Word

Guileless

GAHYL-liss

Definition

(adjective) Innocent and without deception.

Example

Her guileless smile disarmed even the harshest critics.

Fun Fact

The word guileless flips the meaning of guile, which refers to cunning or deceit. While guile can imply clever manipulation, being guileless is about honesty—sometimes to a fault. In literature and psychology, guileless individuals are often seen as pure-hearted or naive, and their openness can leave them vulnerable to exploitation. But it also makes them deeply trustworthy.

Similar Words

Edify

Today's Word

Edify

ED-uh-fye

Definition

(verb) To instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.

Example

The speaker hoped his words would edify the audience, not just entertain them.

Fun Fact

Edify comes from Latin aedificare, meaning “to build”—and that metaphor still holds. When you edify someone, you’re building them up with knowledge or insight. It’s often used in religious or philosophical contexts, but also applies to writing, art, or film that challenges us to think more deeply. A TED Talk can be informative—but the really good ones? They edify.

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