Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Resembling or characteristic of a baby, especially in terms of dependency: The word "babelike" describes something that has the qualities of an infant, most notably a state of complete reliance on others for care and survival.
   • Marked by the innocence, vulnerability, or simplicity associated with an infant: It can also refer to a state of naive purity or helplessness that is typical of a very young child.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The kitten's babelike dependence on its mother was evident in its constant need for warmth and food.
  • He looked at her with a babelike innocence, completely unaware of the world's complexities.
  • The documentary captured the babelike vulnerability of newborn animals in the wild.

Advanced Usage

• "babelike trust": A complete, unquestioning trust that is naive and absolute, similar to that of an infant.
  • She placed a babelike trust in the stranger, which unfortunately led to her being deceived.
• "babelike state": A condition of extreme helplessness or simplicity.
  • After the accident, the patient was reduced to a babelike state, requiring constant care.

Variants and Related Words

• Babyish (adj): Characteristic of or suitable for a baby; often implies immaturity when applied to an older person.
  • His babyish tantrums were inappropriate for a man his age.
• Infantile (adj): Pertaining to infants or very young children; can have a negative connotation of childishness in adults.
  • The patient exhibited infantile reflexes due to the neurological condition.
• Childlike (adj): Possessing the good qualities of a child, such as innocence, trust, or wonder. (Note: "Childlike" is generally positive, while "babelike" emphasizes dependency and vulnerability.)

Synonyms

• Infantlike: Resembling an infant.
• Helpless: Unable to defend oneself or to act without help; emphasizes the dependency aspect.
• Naive: Showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment; relates to the innocence aspect.

Antonyms

• Independent: Not relying on another for livelihood or support.
• Worldly-wise: Experienced and knowledgeable about the ways of the world.
• Mature: Fully developed; grown-up.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Babelike" itself is not commonly used in standard idioms. The following phrases capture its conceptual meaning.) - "In a state of infantile dependence": Completely reliant like a baby. - The cult leader kept his followers in a state of infantile dependence. - "As helpless as a newborn": Completely vulnerable and unable to care for oneself. - After the surgery, he felt as helpless as a newborn.

Adjective

1. like a baby especially in dependence
   • babelike innocence and dependence