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Infancy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infancy

[ˈɪnfənsi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

early life stage

Infancy refers to the early stage of a person's life, typically from birth to around two years old. During infancy, individuals are highly dependent on others for their care and survival. This stage is characterized by rapid growth and development, both physically and cognitively.

Synonyms

babyhood, early childhood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infancy

This term is often used in formal or scientific contexts to refer to the early stage of a baby's life, typically from birth to one year old. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the early development stage of an idea or project.

  • The study tracked the health of children from infancy to adolescence.
  • The company is still in its infancy and has much room for growth.
babyhood

This word is usually used in casual or informal settings to describe the time when someone is a baby, generally focusing on the period from birth to around 2-3 years old.

  • She doesn't remember much about her babyhood.
  • Photos of her babyhood filled the family album.
early childhood

This term is commonly used in both everyday and educational contexts to describe the stage of life from birth to around eight years old. It generally focuses on the development, learning, and experiences of children during these years.

  • Early childhood education is crucial for cognitive development.
  • She spent her early childhood in a small village.

Examples of usage

  • During infancy, babies rely on their caregivers for feeding and comfort.
  • Infancy is a critical period for brain development.
  • Infants begin to babble and make sounds during the early months of infancy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Developmental Psychology

  • During infancy, a child's brain develops at an astonishing rate, forming approximately one million new neural connections every second.
  • Attachment theory suggests that the bond formed with caregivers in infancy significantly influences emotional and social development later in life.

Health

  • Infancy is a crucial period for vaccination, with babies receiving their first immunizations to protect them from various diseases.
  • The nutritional needs during infancy are critical, with exclusive breastfeeding recommended for the first six months for optimal health.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate the arrival of a new baby, marking the end of infancy with special ceremonies or rituals.
  • The importance of bond and attachment in infancy is reflected in various cultural practices, showcasing how care varies around the world.

Education

  • Early childhood education emphasizes the significance of stimulating environments during infancy to encourage cognitive and emotional growth.
  • Play is recognized as a critical learning method during infancy, helping babies explore and understand their world.

Origin of 'infancy'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin word 'infantia', which means 'unable to speak', highlighting the early communication stage of babies.
  • In many languages, words related to infancy often stem from roots that imply beginning or newness, reflecting this vital life stage.

The word 'infancy' originated from the Latin word 'infantia', which means 'inability to speak'. This term was used in the late Middle English period to describe the early stage of a person's life. Over time, 'infancy' came to be associated with the period of early childhood characterized by dependency and rapid growth.

See also: infantile.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,477 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.