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adjectiveadjective

innocuo

harmless

Definition & meaning

Innocuo means harmless or not harmful. It describes someone or something that does not cause injury, damage, or adverse effects. It can also mean inoffensive, for example when describing a remark or joke.

Grammar & Word origin

It is an adjective that agrees with the noun it describes:

  • Masculine singular: innocuo
  • Feminine singular: innocua
  • Masculine plural: innocui
  • Feminine plural: innocue

It comes from Latin innocuus, formed from in- (“not”) and a root meaning “to harm.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • inoffensivo — harmless or inoffensive, especially in behavior or speech.
  • innocente — innocent; it can describe something harmless, but often refers to a lack of guilt or wrongdoing.

Antonyms:

  • nocivo — harmful, particularly to health or the environment.
  • dannoso — damaging or detrimental.
  • pericoloso — dangerous; it implies a risk of harm rather than harm itself.

Common phrases & collocations

  • innocuo per la salute — harmless to health.
  • un animale innocuo — a harmless animal.
  • una battuta innocua — an inoffensive remark or joke.

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Examples

Il gatto è innocuo.adjective

The cat is harmless.

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