Childishness: meaning, definitions and examples
🧒
childishness
[[ˈtʃaɪldɪʃnəs] ]
Definitions
behavior
Childishness refers to the state or quality of being immature, childish, or naive. It is the tendency to behave in a silly, petty, or irresponsible manner, similar to that of a child.
Synonyms
childlike behavior, immaturity, naivety.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
childishness |
Refer to the same word twice for emphasis here might have been an error. |
immaturity |
Refers to lack of emotional or psychological development. Generally used in a critical or negative context.
|
naivety |
Describes a lack of experience or sophistication, often resulting in overly simple or overly trusting behavior. Can be neutral or subtly negative depending on context.
|
childlike behavior |
Typically used to describe behavior that is simple, innocent, or full of wonder, often with a positive connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- She couldn't stand his childishness any longer.
- His childishness was evident in the way he pouted when he didn't get his way.
quality
Childishness can also refer to a characteristic or trait of being childlike, innocent, or playful. It is often associated with a sense of wonder and creativity.
Synonyms
childlike quality, innocence, playfulness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
childishness |
This is often used negatively to describe behavior that is immature or inappropriate for an adult.
|
innocence |
Generally positive, innocence refers to the state of being free from guilt, malice, or corruption, often associated with children.
|
playfulness |
This word has a positive connotation and is used to describe someone who is fun-loving, lighthearted, and enjoys playful activities.
|
childlike quality |
This phrase has a more neutral or positive tone and is used to describe qualities that are pure, simple, and straightforward, reminiscent of a child's perspective.
|
Examples of usage
- His childishness brought a sense of joy and lightness to the room.
- The artist's work was praised for its childlike whimsy and imagination.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Adults displaying childishness might revert to earlier coping mechanisms when stressed, a process called regression.
- The tendency to be childish can be linked to emotional intelligence, where some struggle to express feelings maturely.
- Studies indicate that playful behavior, often seen as childish, can actually enhance creativity and problem-solving in adults.
Literature
- In many works, characters who embody childishness often represent innocence and spontaneity, challenging societal norms.
- Classic novels frequently juxtapose childishness with adult responsibilities to explore themes of freedom and conformity.
- Authors like J.M. Barrie, in 'Peter Pan', celebrate the value of retaining a child's perspective amidst adult realities.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures view childishness variously; some celebrate the laughter and joy it brings, while others may see it as a lack of maturity.
- In many societies, adulthood is associated with responsibility, contrasting with the freedom and playfulness of childhood.
- Cultural phenomena like ‘adulting’ highlight a desire to balance youthful joy and grown-up obligations.
Pop Culture
- Many TV shows and films, like 'The Office', feature characters who display childishness for comedic effect, illustrating adult folly.
- The rise of 'lighthearted' adult cartoons, such as 'Adventure Time', reflects a significant appreciation for the whimsical side of childishness.
- Internet memes often capitalize on childish behavior, encouraging adults to embrace silliness in their lives.
Developmental Psychology
- Childishness in adults can sometimes signal unresolved issues from childhood, suggesting a need for healing.
- Research shows that playfulness, often linked to childishness, is crucial for social bonding and emotional well-being across all ages.
- Developmental psychologists emphasize that maintaining a child-like perspective can significantly enhance life satisfaction.
Translations
Translations of the word "childishness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 infantilidade
🇮🇳 बचकानापन
🇩🇪 Kindlichkeit
🇮🇩 kekanak-kanakan
🇺🇦 дитинність
🇵🇱 dziecinność
🇯🇵 幼稚さ (ようちさ)
🇫🇷 enfantillage
🇪🇸 infantilismo
🇹🇷 çocukluk
🇰🇷 유치함
🇸🇦 طفولية
🇨🇿 dětinskost
🇸🇰 detskosť
🇨🇳 孩子气 (hái zi qì)
🇸🇮 otroškost
🇮🇸 barnalegt eðli
🇰🇿 балаңдық
🇬🇪 ბავშვურობა
🇦🇿 uşaqlıq
🇲🇽 infantilismo
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #31,093 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 31090 hypochondriac
- 31091 sawfly
- 31092 stunningly
- 31093 childishness
- 31094 unhooked
- 31095 gab
- 31096 refinanced
- ...