ENGLISH
REFERENCE

childish

adj.
US //ˈtʃaɪɫdɪʃ// UK //tʃˈaɪldɪʃ// child·ish
  1. 1 immature (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    acting in a silly or annoying way that is not appropriate for an adult.

    exhibiting immaturity or lack of emotional control; typically used as a pejorative when applied to adults.

    Example

    Stop being so childish and just share the remote with your brother.

    Example

    The manager's childish refusal to acknowledge his mistake during the board meeting damaged his professional reputation beyond repair.
    Pitfall
    He has a childish smile.
    He has a childlike smile.

    Use 'childish' for negative traits like being silly. Use 'childlike' for positive traits like being innocent or happy.

  2. 2 for children (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    suitable for or made for a child.

    pertaining to or characteristic of a child; suitable for a young person's stage of development.

    Example

    The book was written in a childish style that was easy for five-year-olds to follow.

    Example

    The handwriting on the envelope was large and childish, suggesting the letter had been penned by a primary school student.
Origin

From Middle English childisch, from Old English ċildisċ. By surface analysis, child + ish.

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