Callow: meaning, definitions and examples

👶
Add to dictionary

callow

 

[ ˈkæloʊ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

youthful immaturity

Callow refers to someone, usually a young person, who is inexperienced and immature. This term often describes individuals who lack the sophistication or knowledge typical of older, more seasoned people. Callow can imply a certain naivety or lack of social grace. It is commonly used to portray youth in situations where wisdom or maturity is expected.

Synonyms

green, immature, inexperienced, naive, unsophisticated

Examples of usage

  • The callow teenager struggled to navigate the complexities of high school.
  • Despite his callow appearance, he was quite skilled in his craft.
  • The callow interns made many mistakes during their first week on the job.

Etymology

The word 'callow' originates from Middle English 'calwe', which means 'bald' or 'bare'. This term has evolved over the centuries, transforming from a literal description of baldness to a metaphorical representation of a lack of maturity or experience. The association with youthfulness likely stems from the idea that young individuals, much like a bald surface, have not yet developed the 'cover' of experience or knowledge. By the late 16th century, 'callow' began to be used in English literature to describe young birds that had not yet developed feathers, symbolizing inexperience. Therefore, its modern usage continues to reflect the notion of youth and inadequacy in terms of life experience.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,577 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.