Childishly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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childishly
[ˈtʃaɪldɪʃli ]
Definition
in a childish manner
In a way that is typical of a child, especially in a way that shows a lack of maturity or seriousness.
Synonyms
immaturely, naively, youthfully.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| childishly |
This word is used when someone behaves in a way that is typical of a child, often in a negative way, showing a lack of maturity.
|
| immaturely |
This is used to describe actions or behaviors that are not appropriate for someone's age, showing a lack of emotional or intellectual development.
|
| youthfully |
This word is used positively to describe someone who has the characteristics of being young, such as energy, enthusiasm, and a fresh perspective.
|
| naively |
This word is used when someone shows a lack of experience or sophistication, often believing things too easily or trusting others too much.
|
Examples of usage
- She behaved childishly when she didn't get her way.
- He responded childishly by throwing a tantrum.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Acting childishly can sometimes be a reaction to stress, as individuals may revert to simpler behaviors as a coping mechanism.
- Research indicates that playful behavior fosters creativity in both children and adults, suggesting that 'childishly' can be beneficial in some contexts.
- Role-playing and engagement in childish antics can help adults reconnect with their inner child, promoting mental well-being.
Literature
- Many classic children's stories highlight childish behaviors to emphasize themes of innocence and discovery.
- Authors like Roald Dahl often employ childlike perspectives in their narratives to portray a sense of wonder and imagination.
- In literature, characters that behave childishly can serve as comic relief or illustrate deeper moral lessons about growth and maturity.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, being 'childish' can be viewed negatively, while in others it might be associated with playfulness and creativity.
- Different societies have varying thresholds for what behaviors are considered childish, impacting how individuals express themselves.
- In modern culture, embracing a childish attitude is sometimes celebrated in movements that advocate for play and creativity among adults.
Pop Culture
- The concept of 'acting childish' frequently appears in films and TV shows, often as a comedic trope.
- Numerous popular songs reference childlike themes, emphasizing innocence and fun, resonating with adult listeners seeking nostalgia.
- Social media platforms have popularized trends that invite users to engage in playful, 'childish' challenges, highlighting the appeal of returning to simpler times.
Origin of 'childishly'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'childishly' comes from 'childish,' which originates from the Old English word 'cild,' meaning a young human.
- The suffix '-ly' is used in English to turn adjectives into adverbs, showing the manner of an action.
- The concept of childishness has varied in meaning over time, reflecting either innocence or immaturity.
The word 'childishly' is derived from the adjective 'childish', which dates back to the 16th century. The suffix '-ly' is added to the base form 'childish' to form the adverb 'childishly'. The term 'childish' originally referred to characteristics or behavior typical of a child, such as immaturity or innocence. Over time, 'childishly' has come to be used to describe actions or attitudes that are immature or lacking in sophistication.
See also: child, childbearing, childbirth, childfree, childhood, childish, childishness, childless, childlessness, childlike, childminder, children.