childlike

American  

[chahyld-lahyk] / ˈtʃaɪldˌlaɪk /

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

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childlike British  

/ ˈtʃaɪldˌlaɪk /

adjective

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

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Related Words

See childish.

Other Word Forms

• childlikeness noun
• unchildlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of childlike

First recorded in 1580–90; child + -like

Example Sentences

“Snoop has a joy about him, a childlike curiosity, and he’s also a people person,” said Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of programming for NBC’s Olympics coverage.

From Los Angeles Times

But this sort of awe and childlike wonder at the world, which I found very special.

From Los Angeles Times

A revolutionary literary, theatrical and artistic movement, Surrealism—with Sigmund Freud as muse—liberated and mined dreams, fantasies, chance, childlike spontaneity and the unconscious.

From The Wall Street Journal

“My husband would say that I have a childlike wonder about a lot,” Richeson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Lang: I’m doing the same childlike nature, just discovering with them.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• childish
• guileless