childlike

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "childlike" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that shares qualities with a child, such as being naive, wide-eyed, and full of wonder. For example, you can say: "The teacher watched his pupils with a childlike awe as they sang a beautiful song."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By the age of 17, he was 6ft 4in tall, yet radiated a kind of innocence, a childlike quality, that became only more striking as the years passed.

The Guardian - Music

Strawberries, for example, may evoke a very special summer, a traditional Sunday roast may draw a familiar, cosy blanket over a wet weekend, or birthday cake may conjure a childlike wonder.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For although Michael and co have already been touched by the drug trade to a greater or lesser extent, there's still a childlike quality to their games.

The Guardian

By the end of the episode, some of that childlike innocence is already gone after Randy inadvertently sends Lex to his death.

The Guardian

Like William Wilberforce and Lord Shaftesbury, his was a privileged upbringing; like them, he was a devout Christian determined to translate faith into action; like them, he was an unpredictable combination of political savvy and childlike clear-sightedness.

The Guardian

They also battled against less benign foes, and found a place in the hearts of child and childlike viewers.

The Guardian - Film

She was belittled as childlike, but it's worth recalling that this can mean straightforward too.

The Guardian - Opinion

It gave me the opportunity to shed light on Jane's early, pre-portrait work, and the pleasure she derived from seeing never-before-printed "snaps" was childlike in its purity.

The Guardian - Arts

Happily, Doctor Who was an excellent Christmas outing for slightly bigger kids (some of them with beards and a TV blog), tackling adult themes with a sense of childlike adventure.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I should have judged her by her deeds not her words," he writes in the book, which is less a childlike fantasy than a parable about the obligations of conjugal love.

The Guardian - Books

Around 80% of Hasbro's products are priced below $20, so the fuel/toy trade-off is a real one".There is no industry with more opportunity than the toy industry," says Mr Hassenfeld, who at 60 exudes a childlike enthusiasm for toys befitting someone whose family has been in the business for three generations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "childlike" to describe qualities such as innocence, wonder, or naivety in a positive or neutral light. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes imply a lack of maturity.

Common error

Avoid using "childlike" when you mean "childish". "Childlike" generally has positive connotations, referring to innocence or wonder, while "childish" implies immaturity or silliness.

Linguistic Context

The word "childlike" functions primarily as an adjective. It is used to describe something or someone that possesses qualities typically associated with children, such as innocence, naivety, or a sense of wonder. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "childlike" is a versatile adjective that describes qualities associated with children, primarily innocence, naivety, and a sense of wonder. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news media, encyclopedias, and formal writing. While generally carrying positive connotations, it's crucial to differentiate "childlike" from "childish", which implies immaturity. When writing, use "childlike" to evoke a sense of purity or simplicity, but be mindful of potential misinterpretations. Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in formal and informal communication alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

innocent

Focuses on a lack of knowledge of wrongdoing.

naive

Suggests a lack of experience or worldly wisdom.

ingenuous

Indicates sincerity and honesty, sometimes to the point of naivety.

childish

Implies immaturity or silliness, often in a negative way.

artless

Highlights a lack of guile or pretension.

unaffected

Describes someone genuine and without pretense.

trusting

Highlights a tendency to believe in the honesty of others.

youthful

Emphasizes the qualities of being young, fresh, or vigorous.

unsophisticated

Indicates a lack of refinement or complexity.

unworldly

Suggests a lack of familiarity with the practical aspects of life.

FAQs

How can I use "childlike" in a sentence?

You can use "childlike" to describe someone or something that exhibits qualities associated with children, such as innocence, naivety, or wonder. For example, "She approached the problem with a "childlike" curiosity."

What is the difference between "childlike" and "childish"?

"Childlike" generally has positive connotations, referring to innocence and wonder, while "childish" implies immaturity and silliness. Choose your word carefully to convey the intended meaning.

What are some synonyms for "childlike"?

Alternatives to "childlike" include "innocent", "naive", "ingenuous", and "artless". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the word "childlike"?

It's appropriate to use "childlike" when you want to emphasize positive or neutral qualities associated with children, such as innocence, wonder, or a lack of cynicism. Be cautious when applying it to adults, as it can sometimes be interpreted as condescending or implying a lack of maturity.