innocuous

/ɪˈnɒkjuəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈnɑːkjuəs/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈnä-kyə-wəs/ (ame, mw)

innocuous — adjective

  • innocuouspositive
  • more innocuouscomparative
  • most innocuoussuperlative

1. not able to hurt people or damage things in any serious way, even if it first lo

1.形容詞C1
釋義

not able to hurt people or damage things in any serious way, even if it first looks risky.

例句

At first glance, the white powder looked innocuous on the kitchen shelf.

look innocuous

The doctor said the bump was innocuous and would fade in days.

be innocuous after medical check

同義詞
  • harmless

    more everyday and slightly broader

  • benign

    more formal, especially for medical findings

  • safe

    broad general word, not limited to hidden risk

反義詞
  • harmful

    causing damage or bad effects

  • dangerous

    more general and stronger, with clear risk

文法句型

look/seem innocuous

innocuous + substance/object/animal

用法筆記

Often used when something seems suspicious at first but later proves safe. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about physical effects or damage, not about upsetting other people.

常見錯誤

❌This skin cream is innocent.
✅This skin cream is innocuous.
💡'innocent' usually describes people or their actions, not products or substances.

2. unlikely to annoy, shock, or upset people because it appears mild and socially a

2.形容詞C1
釋義

unlikely to annoy, shock, or upset people because it appears mild and socially acceptable.

例句

Pedro thought his question was innocuous, but the room went quiet.

innocuous + question

Renata's joke sounded innocuous to friends who did not know the history.

innocuous to + group

同義詞
  • inoffensive

    closest match; directly about not upsetting anyone

  • unobjectionable

    more formal and common in judgement or policy language

  • mild

    broader and less exact; can describe weak tone rather than social safety

反義詞
  • offensive

    likely to upset or insult people

  • provocative

    more deliberate; meant to stir reaction or argument

文法句型

innocuous + comment/question/topic

sound/seem innocuous

innocuous to + audience/person

用法筆記

Often used about remarks, questions, topics, or behaviour that seem mild on the surface. Distinguish from sense 1: here the issue is other people's feelings, not danger to the body or property.