harmless
The puppy looked harmless, but it had sharp teeth.
The puppy seemed safe, despite its teeth.
not likely to cause damage or injury
She gave the child a harmless toy to play with.
The toy was safe for the child.
The chemical is harmless to humans in small doses.
The chemical is safe for humans in small amounts.
Often used to describe people, animals, or things that pose no threat.
Collocations
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'harmless' vs. 'harmlessly'
Use 'harmless' as an adjective (e.g., 'a harmless snake'). Use 'harmlessly' as an adverb (e.g., 'The snake moved harmlessly away.').
Gold Rule
Check for context
In medical or technical contexts, 'harmless' may imply no adverse effects, but always verify the specific meaning.
Word Origin
From Middle English *harmles*, from Old English *hearmleas* ("free from harm"), equivalent to *harm* + *-less*.
Usage Notes
Commonly used to reassure someone about a person, animal, or object. Often paired with "seem" or "look" to describe first impressions.