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childishbehaving in a way that is silly or immature, typical of a child rather than an adult

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: behaving in a way that is silly or immature, typical of a child rather than an adult

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ/

Example Sentences

  • His childish refusal to admit he was wrong ruined the entire meeting.
  • Don't be so childish - we're not splitting the pizza into exactly equal pieces!
  • She gave him a childish nickname that stuck with him for years.

childish

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ/]

behaving in a way that is silly or immature, typical of a child rather than an adult

His childish tantrum over the wrong coffee order embarrassed everyone in line.
💡 Concept

His childish tantrum over the wrong coffee order embarrassed everyone in line.

Acting childish makes you look wildish!
🎵 Rhyme

Acting childish makes you look wildish!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ/

🌳Etymology

Rootchild
Suffix--ish

Origin

The word derives from Old English 'cild' (child), which is the base form of the modern word 'child'. The suffix '-ish' was added to form an adjective meaning 'resembling or characteristic of a child', resulting in 'childish' with the sense of 'childlike' or 'immature'.

Breakdown

child (a young person) + -ish (adjective-forming suffix meaning 'having the qualities of' or 'resembling').

🎵Rhyme

wildishmildish
wildish
mildish

🔗Collocations

childish behavior
childish tantrum
childish prank
act childish
childish attitude

📝Examples

His childish refusal to admit he was wrong ruined the entire meeting.

😄 Fun example

Don't be so childish - we're not splitting the pizza into exactly equal pieces!

😄 Fun example

She gave him a childish nickname that stuck with him for years.

My boss's childish jealousy of my promotion made work unbearable.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

immaturejuvenileinfantilepuerilenaive

Antonyms

matureadultsophisticated

Related

childchildhoodchildlikechildishlychildishness

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