Master confusing words with ease
Childish vs. Childlike
Childish
/ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ/Examples:
Her tantrum over the broken toy was truly childish.He displayed childish enthusiasm for the amusement park trip.Debating over trivial matters felt quite childish to many.
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Antonyms:
Childlike
/ˈtʃaɪldlaɪk/Examples:
Her childlike curiosity was infectiousHe approached the new task with a childlike enthusiasmThe child's childlike laughter filled the room
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Ways to tell them apart:
- Childish often carries a negative connotation, suggesting behaviors or attributes that are immature or inappropriate for an adult.
- Childlike has a positive connotation, highlighting innocence or a pure, unspoiled nature that is reminiscent of a child.
- Remember that childish can imply a lack of maturity, whereas childlike often appeals to qualities of wonder and naivety.
- If someone is acting childish, they might be throwing a temper tantrum, but if theyre childlike', they might be marveling at something new.
- Consider childish as something adults should avoid, but childlike as something adults should cherish.
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