WordGarden.ionaked
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈeɪkɪd/
US
- /ˈneɪkəd/
Meanings
Adjective
not wearing any clothes; with the body exposed
bare, exposed, or without disguise, protection, or extra covering
Beyond the definition
"Naked" most literally means being without clothing. Imagine a baby just born or someone taking a swim in a quiet place. But the word is not always about bodies. You can speak of the "naked truth," meaning the plain, honest truth with nothing added to soften it. In the same way, a tree standing naked against a winter sky has lost its leaves and shows its bare branches. The word often carries a feeling of being fully exposed, either physically or emotionally.
The word "naked" most commonly refers to being without clothing, often bringing to mind a sense of exposure or vulnerability. For example, saying "she walked naked on the beach" describes a literal physical state. However, "naked" goes far beyond the absence of clothes. It can also describe anything raw, plain, or without a covering.
In daily English, you will encounter this word in several common phrases. For instance, "naked ambition" describes an open and obvious desire for success that is not hidden behind politeness. The phrase "the naked eye" refers to seeing something without the help of a telescope, microscope, or other tool. When someone speaks the "naked truth," they are presenting a hard reality without any "sugarcoating" or distraction.
The context heavily influences the emotional weight of the word. It can feel innocent, as with a newborn baby; sensual, as in a romantic scene; shocking, as in an unexpected moment; or even frightening, when it suggests being unprotected and unprepared. Over time, the word has also taken on cultural and emotional meanings, ranging from simple openness to defenselessness. Whether used physically, emotionally, or intellectually, "naked" points to a state of being revealed, uncovered, and easy to see clearly.
Examples
- 1
Body
He opened the door in a panic and realized he was still naked.
- 2
Missing object
I felt almost naked without my phone in my pocket.
- Patternfeel naked without + usual object
feel strange or unprotected without it
- 3
Vision
The tiny cracks are hard to see with the naked eye.
- Phrasewith the naked eye
without using a tool like a microscope or telescope
- 4
Fire safety
Do not use a naked flame near the fuel tanks.
- Phrasenaked flame
an open flame that is not covered or protected
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Bare room
The room looked cold, with naked walls and no curtains.
- 6
Plain truth
The report gave us the naked truth about the company’s finances.
- Phrasethe naked truth
the plain truth, without anything hidden
- 7
Open emotion
His speech was full of naked anger.
- Patternnaked + strong emotion or ambition
very clear and not hidden
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- nakedadjective