Word
boyish
Phoneticsboy·ish, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɔɪɪʃ/
UK/bˈɔɪɪʃ/
Definition
adj. having qualities that are usually associated with boys or young men. It can describe a person's looks, behavior, or a style that is simple and not too formal.
adj. possessing characteristics, features, or a style typically associated with boys or young males. Often used to describe a youthful, unassuming, or slightly masculine appearance or demeanor.
Examples
“He has a boyish smile that makes him look younger.”
“She wore a boyish haircut and oversized clothes to keep a casual, relaxed look for the weekend.”
“The actor's boyish charm was a significant factor in his early success, as it allowed him to play a wide range of youthful roles with ease and authenticity.”
Examples
simple
“He has a boyish smile that makes him look younger.”
contextual
“She wore a boyish haircut and oversized clothes to keep a casual, relaxed look for the weekend.”
complex
“The actor's boyish charm was a significant factor in his early success, as it allowed him to play a wide range of youthful roles with ease and authenticity.”
Real-World Examples
“For some reason, despite their boyish features they have thick beards.” Etymology
From boy + -ish.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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