The Width of Railroad Tracks is based on a History that Extends Back to Roman Chariots-Fiction! Summary of eRumor: This story is a âWeâve always done it that wayâ tale. It says that the standard distance between railroad rails in the U.S. is four-feet, eight-and-a-half inches.
Noun. 1. naiveness-lack of sophistication or worldliness. naivete, naivety. quality-an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone; the quality of mercy is not strained--Shakespeare.
naive No one likes being called naive, since it means you lack sophistication or street smarts. A person who is too trusting can be criticized for being overly naive: You're so naive, you think that e-mail from the Nigerian prince is really going to make you a million dollars! Naive shares the same root as native, and originally meant natural or not artificial. It can still be used in a more positive meaning when describing a charming lack of artificiality, as in the naive style of folk art made by an untrained painter.