- Published on
(A proofreader's note about “ingenious” and “ingenuous”)
“Ingenious,” “ingenuous” would seem to be twins,
Alike in each feature except at the hinge;
It’s only at “i” and conversely at “u”
They manage disjoining and fail to impinge.
They both have origins relating to birth,
But meanings divergent make different their ways.
“Ingenious” at times will “inventiveness” claim;
“Ingenuous,” alas, may “naivety” grace.
Remembering the difference is simple by sound;
“Ingenious” when spoken will “genius” emit.
“Ingenuous” instead may of “genuine” remind,
A dose of the “candid” and “guileless” to wit.
“Our Jeanie and Jenny were partners alone,
With 'Jeanie Ingenious' as jack-of-all-trades;
And if a new prospect was spiky on phone,
Then 'Jenny Ingenuous' was calming in spades.”