Word
childlike
Phoneticschild·like, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtʃaɪɫdˌɫaɪk/
UK/tʃˈaɪldlaɪk/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The old man had a childlike smile.”
“She approached the complex problem with a childlike curiosity that made everyone in the room feel excited to learn.”
“The artist's work is often described as childlike, featuring simple, bold lines and bright colors that evoke a sense of pure, unfiltered joy.”
Examples
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.”
Confusables
Childish describes immature behavior that is annoying or inappropriate, while childlike describes positive qualities like innocence or wonder.
RememberChildish is bad; childlike is good.
Real-World Examples
“I smile because of those things, because I’m happy.”
You cannot help but feel the childlike wonder emanating from the 26-year-old at football being her job and this being her life.” “You lose all sense of being an adult as they treat you in such a childlike manner.” Etymology
From child + -like.
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 C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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