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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

The author wrote about Epstein's "childlike curiosity" and a "drive to make a difference".

From BBC

Where the bottom falls out is the last-minute decision for Rain to pull a Jonesy, just like Ripley, and go back for Andy after he’s incapacitated and reverted to his childlike personality.

From Salon

Think anyone who believes that a childlike openness to play and silliness doesn’t have to be eradicated by maturity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• childish 
• guileless