childish

childish — adjective

1. having the simple, innocent, or fresh qualities that are naturally associated wi

1.形容詞B2
釋義

having the simple, innocent, or fresh qualities that are naturally associated with a child — used about objects, actions, or feelings that belong to or suit childhood.

例句

The kindergarten teacher smiled at the childish drawings pinned to the wall.

attributive: childish drawings

Ravi still kept a childish habit of humming tunes while he drew with crayons.

collocation: childish habit

同義詞
  • childlike

    more consistently positive; used for appealing innocence or wonder

  • youthful

    broader — refers to any young age, not just childhood

  • innocent

    focuses on lack of guile rather than age-related qualities

反義詞
  • adult

    describes something suitable for or typical of adults

  • mature

    describes developed, age-appropriate qualities

文法句型

a childish + noun

be/feel/seem + childish

用法筆記

This sense describes qualities or things characteristic of childhood in a neutral or mildly positive way. It differs from sense 2 (IMMATURE) in that it is NOT used to criticise adults — rather, it describes objects, memories, or behaviours that naturally belong to childhood.

常見錯誤

❌His constant complaining during meetings was so childish.' (using sense 1 when criticising an adult).
✅His constant complaining during meetings was so childish.
💡This sentence is actually sense 2 (see IMMATURE sense). If praising a genuine childlike quality, say 'His childish excitement about the museum visit was endearing.'

2. behaving in a foolish, unreasonable, or self-centred way that is not appropriate

2.形容詞B2
釋義

behaving in a foolish, unreasonable, or self-centred way that is not appropriate for an adult — for example, refusing to share, complaining loudly about small problems, or walking out of a room after a disagreement.

例句

Theo's boss told him to stop his childish behaviour during team meetings.

attributive: childish behaviour

Calling someone names over a small mistake is a childish way to react.

pattern: childish way to + infinitive

同義詞
  • immature

    the closest synonym; slightly more formal and covers a wider age range

  • babyish

    more informal and stronger — suggests behaviour suitable for a baby, not a child

  • juvenile

    more formal; sometimes used in legal or technical contexts

  • silly

    broader — not limited to age-related criticism

反義詞
  • mature

    describes adult, sensible, age-appropriate behaviour

  • grown-up

    informal synonym for mature

  • adult

    straightforward opposite in the context of behaviour

文法句型

a childish + noun

be/act/seem + childish

it is childish of + someone + to-infinitive

用法筆記

This is the dominant sense of childish and is used to criticise an adult's behaviour. Distinguish from childlike, which is always positive and describes appealing child qualities (innocence, curiosity, trust). Calling an adult's behaviour childish is an insult; calling their expression childlike is a compliment.

常見錯誤

❌Her childlike temper tantrum embarrassed everyone.
✅Her childish temper tantrum embarrassed everyone.
💡childlike is a compliment and does not fit negative behaviour like temper tantrums.
❌I love your childish sense of wonder about the world.
✅I love your childlike sense of wonder about the world.
💡'childish' for adult qualities is insulting; use 'childlike' for positive traits.