Child Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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child
[tʃaɪld ]
Definitions
young age
A young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| child |
General term for a young human, suitable for most formal and informal contexts. Can refer to someone from birth to just before teenage years.
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| kid |
Informal term for a young child, often used in casual conversations. Can refer roughly to someone from birth to early teens.
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| youth |
Typically refers to young people in their teenage years or early twenties. Often used in discussions about social issues, education, or activities for young people.
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| infant |
Specifically refers to a very young child, typically under the age of one year. Used in medical, formal, or technical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She has two young children.
- He is still just a child.
offspring
A son or daughter of any age.
Synonyms
descendant, offspring, progeny.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| child |
Commonly used in everyday language to refer to a son or daughter, especially when they are young.
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| offspring |
Scientific or formal term used to refer to the young or progeny of living organisms, including humans.
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| progeny |
Formal and often literary term to refer to the descendants or offspring of a person, animal, or plant.
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| descendant |
Used in formal or historical contexts to describe someone who is descended from a particular ancestor.
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Examples of usage
- Their youngest child is in kindergarten.
- She treats all her students like her own children.
give birth
To give birth to.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| child |
Use this word when referring to a young human, typically used in everyday speaking or writing to describe someone's son or daughter.
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| bear |
This word is commonly used in literature or formal contexts to describe the act of giving birth. It has an old-fashioned or poetic tone.
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| deliver |
Often used in medical or clinical settings to talk about the process of helping someone give birth. It can also be used more broadly for bringing forth something.
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| produce |
Mainly used in scientific or agricultural contexts to talk about the creation or yielding of offspring, products, or results. It is less personal and more technical.
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Examples of usage
- She will child in a few months.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Developmental Psychology
- Childhood is divided into stages that are critical for emotional, social, and cognitive development.
- Experts believe that the early years are particularly important for brain development, with 90% of brain growth occurring by age five.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, coming-of-age ceremonies mark the transition from childhood to adulthood, often with significant rituals.
- The portrayal of children in literature reflects societal values; for instance, works like 'Peter Pan' highlight the desire to maintain childhood innocence.
Education
- The concept of childhood has influenced educational practices, focusing on play-based learning and experiential education.
- Different countries approach children's rights and education variably, with some emphasizing academic success and others prioritizing emotional well-being.
Childhood in History
- In ancient societies, children were often seen as miniature adults, having responsibilities from a very young age.
- The modern idea of childhood as a special, protected phase evolved significantly during the 18th and 19th centuries with the rise of social reform movements.
Origin of 'child'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'cild', which meant 'young one' or 'fetus'.
- In different languages, similar words can be traced back to common roots – for example, Latin 'puer' means boy, but also covers a broader meaning of youth.
The word 'child' has its origins in Old English 'cild', which meant a young person, servant, or attendant. The word has evolved over time to specifically refer to a young human being. Children are considered a vulnerable and precious part of society, requiring care and protection. The concept of childhood has varied throughout history, with different cultures having distinct views on the role and rights of children.
See also: childbearing, childbirth, childfree, childhood, childish, childishly, childishness, childless, childlessness, childlike, childminder, children.