childish

UK: ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ | US: ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ

Definition

  1. adj. resembling or characteristic of a child

  2. adj. immature or silly in behavior

Structure
child <young person>ish <adjective suffix, "having the quality of">
Etymology

The word "childish" combines "child," derived from Old English cild (meaning "fetus, infant, or young person"), with the suffix "-ish," from Old English -isc, used to form adjectives indicating resemblance or characteristic. Over time, "-ish" evolved to imply a lesser or partial quality (e.g., "reddish" = somewhat red). Thus, "childish" originally meant "having the qualities of a child" but later acquired a negative connotation ("immature").

Examples

  1. His childish laughter brightened the room.

  2. Throwing tantrums at work is considered childish behavior.

  3. She outgrew her childish fear of the dark.

  4. The debate turned into a childish exchange of insults.

  5. The painting had a playful, childish charm.