babelike
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- like a baby especially in dependence
- babelike innocence and dependence