childlike

[chahyld-lahyk]

adjective

1. like a child, as in innocence, frankness, etc.; befitting a child.

   childlike trust.

   Synonyms: innocent, trusting, guileless, simple, ingenuous, young
   Antonyms: adult, sophisticated

childlike

/ ˈtʃaɪldˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. like or befitting a child, as in being innocent, trustful, etc Compare childish

Other Word Forms

• childlikeness noun
• unchildlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of childlike¹

First recorded in 1580–90; child + -like

Synonym Study

See childish.

Example Sentences

But, at the same time, he had this childlike wonder and loved life and his family so much.

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"Year 6 started this year much calmer, much more focused, and much more childlike and so far the only impact we've seen is positive," explained Ms Lally.

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“This sort of flea market find, slightly childlike music felt to us like of the show, but the audience had to give us permission,” Bouchard says.

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It answers Riefenstahl’s carefully chosen narrative, a fable of disillusioned purity, with an equally forensic counternarrative exposing her childlike narcissism about the impact of her talent.

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Former President Bill Clinton referenced Epstein's "childlike curiosity" and his desire to "make a difference".

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Related Words

• childish 
• guileless