puerile

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'puerile' is correct and commonly used in written English. It refers to something that is childish or immature. Example: The comedian's jokes were puerile and failed to make the audience laugh.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fuss about this is simply puerile: my studies show there will be no unseemly consequences".

The Guardian - Sport

Can we agree at least on this: today's Sun front page, featuring Ed Miliband eating a bacon sandwich, is cruel, abusive and puerile.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The real test of support for free speech is not whether it's speech that you approve of," Gourevitch said, noting the magazine's "puerile, gross, often offensive" style.

The Guardian - Books

The same apathy that pinks the borders of your vision when similar tossers accost you in the street/attempt to approach you employing snazzy helicopters/clutter your post with puerile leaflets claiming they have your best interests at heart.

The Guardian

And all I've really done is sit at home and type out a series of badly observed almost-gags like a puerile 10-year-old with a poo fixation.

The Guardian

Tensions continued with Cox's successor, Sir Henry Dobbs, who in a letter to his wife described the king as "puerile and petulant" and questioned his fitness to rule.

The Economist

Over the case of Mr Shaikh, the official press indulged in the predictable and puerile ritual of railing about the historical indignity of the Opium War.

The Economist

Its non-invitation may owe something to Mr Bush's puerile sulk at Mr Zapatero over his abrupt withdrawal of troops from Iraq in 2004.

The Economist

In other words, for Charlie Hebdo, as for French law, insulting an idea or an ideology is acceptable, however puerile or tasteless the manner in which it is done; insulting, let alone threatening, a group of people is not.Dig deeper: Defending free speech demands more than defending the messages one likes (May 2015) France's post-massacre unity may not last (January 2015).

The Economist

Like the saucy "Carry On" films of the 1960s-70s, or Benny Hill's puerile comedy sketches, it is more cartoonish than erotic.

The Economist

This is more than puerile iconoclasm: the pope has in some sense been chosen.Jeff Koons's outsize renderings of children's toys succeed in making familiar products strange.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "puerile" when you want to emphasize the immaturity or childishness of something, especially in a way that seems silly or pointless.

Common error

Avoid using "puerile" when you mean to describe something as innocent or unpretentious. "Puerile" carries a negative connotation of immaturity and silliness, unlike "childlike", which often suggests positive qualities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "puerile" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe them as childish, silly, or immature. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing arguments, jokes, or behavior deemed lacking in seriousness or maturity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term carries a negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "puerile" is frequently used to describe something as childish, silly, or immature, primarily in News & Media and Encyclopedias. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct. It typically carries a negative connotation and is used to express disapproval or criticism. While not strictly formal, "puerile" has a neutral register that makes it suitable for various writing contexts. Remember to use "puerile" carefully to avoid confusing it with similar but distinct terms like "childlike". Alternative phrases such as "childish" or "immature" might be better suited based on nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

childish

Implies behavior typical of a child, often negatively.

immature

Indicates a lack of emotional or intellectual development expected for an age.

infantile

Suggests extreme immaturity, like that of a very young child.

juvenile

Relates to youthfulness, often used to describe immature behavior.

silly

Describes foolish or হালকা behavior.

frivolous

Implies a lack of seriousness or purpose.

asinine

Suggests extreme foolishness or stupidity.

petty

Refers to small-minded or trivial concerns.

foolish

Indicates a lack of good sense or judgment.

inane

Describes something empty or meaningless.

FAQs

How to use "puerile" in a sentence?

You can use "puerile" to describe behavior, jokes, or arguments that are childish and silly. For example, "The comedian's jokes were "puerile" and failed to amuse the audience."

What can I say instead of "puerile"?

You can use alternatives like "childish", "immature", or "silly", depending on the specific context.

Is "puerile" a formal or informal word?

"Puerile" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. While it can be used in everyday conversation, it's more commonly found in writing or more formal speech.

What is the difference between "puerile" and "juvenile"?

Both "puerile" and "juvenile" refer to immaturity, but "puerile" emphasizes silliness and lack of substance, while "juvenile" often relates more directly to youth or adolescent behavior.