English Reference
Adjective

childlike

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈtʃaɪɫdˌɫaɪk/ UK /tʃˈaɪldlaɪk/ child·like

adj.having the qualities of a child, such as being innocent, curious, or simple. You use this to describe someone who acts in a way that is pure or playful.

adj.possessing the characteristics of a child, such as innocence, curiosity, or a lack of sophistication. Often used to describe a person's behavior or a person's appearance.


SIMPLE

The old man had a childlike smile.

CONTEXTUAL

She approached the complex problem with a childlike curiosity that made everyone in the room feel excited to learn.

COMPLEX

The artist's work is often described as childlike, featuring simple, bold lines and bright colors that evoke a sense of pure, unfiltered joy.

Don't confuse

childlike vs childish — Childish describes immature behavior that is annoying or inappropriate, while childlike describes positive qualities like innocence or wonder.

You lose all sense of being an adult as they treat you in such a childlike manner.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

From child + -like.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated