childlike wonder

USAGE SUMMARY

"childlike wonder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe an attitude or emotion that is similar to the innocence, curiosity and amazement of a child. For example, you can say: "The look of childlike wonder on her face told me the surprise party was a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Never lose the childlike wonder," he advises.

Independent

And the childlike wonder feels realistic.

The New Yorker

JAMES There's more childlike wonder in me than you know.

The New York Times - Arts

Impervious to pain, he experiences everything with childlike wonder.

The Washington Post

He spoke of the importance of childlike wonder.

The New York Times

"That childlike wonder," he says, "is something I've never lost".

The Guardian - Film

"I just got that!" he says with childlike wonder.

The New York Times - Arts

I often feel childlike wonder in the face of new experiences, ideas, or scenes of nature.

University of California, Berkeley

They aimed to capture the childlike wonder of the city they had when they were young.

The New York Times

Making a figure out of stone or metal retains its childlike wonder for me.

The New York Times - Arts

What's most remarkable about Wiseman is his keen eye — and childlike wonder.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to emphasize the value of maintaining a fresh perspective, even in complex or challenging situations.

Common error

Avoid using "childlike wonder" when attempting to express mere sentimental or mawkish feelings. Genuine wonder involves intellectual curiosity and an openness to discovery, not just a superficial emotional response. If the context leans towards overly sweet or contrived emotions, consider a different phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "childlike wonder" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "childlike" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "wonder". It describes a specific quality or type of wonder, characterized by innocence, naivete, and amazement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "childlike wonder" is a versatile and widely used phrase that perfectly captures a sense of innocent amazement and fresh perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and readily understood. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its legitimacy and applicability across different registers. While not confined to children, it effectively conveys a sense of purity and unjaded appreciation. Remembering to differentiate it from mere sentimentalism and capitalizing on its evocative power will enhance your writing and resonate with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

youthful awe

Emphasizes the freshness and inexperience associated with youth, focusing on a sense of reverence.

innocent fascination

Highlights the purity and naivete of the captivation, suggesting a lack of cynicism.

naive enchantment

Focuses on a simple, almost innocent, charm or spellbinding quality.

unspoiled amazement

Indicates that the sense of wonder is pure and untainted by negative experiences.

fresh-eyed perspective

Shifts the focus to a new and unbiased way of seeing things, common in children.

immature enthusiasm

Underlines a lively and often exuberant passion, sometimes lacking restraint.

unaffected surprise

Suggests genuine and honest reaction to something unexpected, free from pretense.

wide-eyed innocence

Stresses the guileless and unworldly nature of the observation.

untarnished delight

Emphasizes that the joy is pure and unmarred by negative experiences.

early-stage discovery

Highlights the beginning phases of learning and understanding, with associated excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "childlike wonder" in a sentence?

You can use "childlike wonder" to describe someone's reaction to something new or amazing. For example, "She gazed at the stars with "childlike wonder"."

What's a good substitute for "childlike wonder"?

Alternatives include "youthful awe", "innocent fascination", or "naive enchantment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "childlike wonder" the same as "childish behavior"?

No, "childlike wonder" refers to a positive sense of amazement and curiosity, while "childish behavior" refers to immature or inappropriate actions.

Can adults experience "childlike wonder", or is it only for children?

Adults can certainly experience "childlike wonder". It describes the ability to see the world with a fresh, curious perspective, regardless of age. Maintaining this sense can be beneficial, as Dr. Randy Pausch suggests, "Never lose the "childlike wonder"".