Definition

Adjective: Having a youthful-looking face; possessing facial features that are smooth, round, or soft, typically resembling those of a child or a much younger person.

Usage

This adjective is used to describe a person whose face appears younger than their actual age. It often implies a lack of visible wrinkles, a round or soft jawline, and generally innocent or childlike features. It is typically used in a neutral or descriptive manner, though it can sometimes imply a perceived lack of maturity or seriousness.

Examples

• Descriptive:
  • Despite being in his forties, he is remarkably baby-faced.
  • The new actor was cast because of his baby-faced charm.
• Comparative/Implied:
  • Her baby-faced appearance often leads people to underestimate her experience.

Advanced Usage

• "baby-faced assassin": A metaphorical idiom used to describe someone, often in sports or competitive fields, who has a youthful, innocent appearance but is remarkably skilled, ruthless, or effective.
  • The young striker was nicknamed the baby-faced assassin for his deadly accuracy in front of goal.

Variants and Related Words

• Babyface (noun): A person with a baby-faced appearance.
  • He was a real babyface, which made him perfect for the role of the teenage hero.
• Youthful (adjective): Looking young; this is a more general synonym.
• Cherubic (adjective): Having a plump, innocent face like that of a cherub; this implies a specific type of round, sweet baby-faced look.

Synonyms

• Youthful-looking
• Fresh-faced
• Juvenile-featured

Antonyms

• Rugged
• Grizzled
• Lined
• Wizened
• Mature-looking

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To have a face like a baby's bottom: An informal, humorous idiom emphasizing extremely smooth, soft skin.
  • After the treatment, her skin was as smooth as a baby's bottom. (Note: This idiom describes skin texture, not necessarily the overall youthful structure of the face implied by "baby-faced.")

Adjective

1. having a youthful-looking face