Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characteristic of or suitable for a baby: Describing behavior, appearance, or qualities that are typical of a very young child.
   • Immature or childish: Describing behavior, speech, or attitudes that are considered silly, simple, or unbecoming of an older person.

Usage

The adjective "babyish" is used to describe something that resembles or is appropriate for a baby. It is often used in a slightly negative or critical way when referring to an older child or adult, suggesting they are behaving in an immature manner. It is a descriptive term.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She thought his fear of the dark was rather babyish for a ten-year-old.
  • The cartoon had a babyish simplicity that appealed to toddlers.
  • He was tired of his babyish nickname and wanted to be called by his real name.

Advanced Usage

• "to be/become babyish": to act in a childish or immature way.
  • His whining became babyish whenever he didn't get his way.
• "babyish behavior": actions that are immature.
  • The teacher discouraged babyish behavior in the classroom.

Variants and Related Words

• Baby (n): a very young child.
  • The baby slept soundly.
• Babyhood (n): the period of time when one is a baby.
  • She had no memories from her babyhood.

Synonyms

• Childish: (often negative) behaving like a child.
• Immature: not fully developed in behavior or emotional control.
• Infantile: (formal, often negative) characteristic of an infant; childish.

Antonyms

• Mature: fully developed in behavior and emotional control.
• Adult: characteristic of a grown person.
• Sophisticated: having a lot of worldly experience and knowledge.

Adjective

1. characteristic of a baby
   • babyish tears and petulance