callow — young and inexperienced; lacking adult sophistication
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: young and inexperienced; lacking adult sophistication
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkæloʊ/
Example Sentences
- His callow attempt at flirting involved asking if she came here often... at the library.
- The callow politician's speech was full of idealistic promises with no practical plans.
- She realized how callow she had been when she tried to impress her boss by working 20 hours straight.
callow
ADJECTIVE[/ˈkæloʊ/]
young and inexperienced; lacking adult sophistication
The callow chef nervously prepared his very first meal in a professional kitchen.
The callow intern needed guidance because he was still learning. (callow → "call low" : Imagine a nervous beginner making a low, timid call because they lack confidence.)
The callow apprentice followed the master every day and gradually grew into a skilled craftsman.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'calu' meaning bald or bare, related to Old Norse 'kollr' (bald). The sense evolved to describe young birds without feathers, then metaphorically to mean young and inexperienced people.
Breakdown
callow (from Old English calu, bald/bare) - no modern morpheme breakdown as it is a root word that has maintained its form since Old English
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His callow attempt at flirting involved asking if she came here often... at the library.”
“The callow politician's speech was full of idealistic promises with no practical plans.”
“She realized how callow she had been when she tried to impress her boss by working 20 hours straight.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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