childly
/'tʃaildli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Characteristic of or befitting a child: Having the qualities, innocence, or simplicity associated with a young child.
- Childlike: Exhibiting the appealing, trusting, or naive nature typical of a child.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective:
- Her childly wonder at the world was refreshing to see.
- The old man had a childly innocence that made him beloved by all.
- He spoke with a childly honesty that was disarming.
Advanced Usage
- Poetic/Literary Usage: The word "childly" is considered somewhat archaic or poetic in modern English. It is more commonly found in literary works or used for stylistic effect to evoke a sense of innocence or simplicity.
- The poet described the scene with a childly purity of vision.
Variants and Related Words
- Childlike (adj): Similar in meaning to "childly," but more commonly used in contemporary English. It often carries a positive connotation of innocence and simplicity.
- She had a childlike faith in people's goodness.
- Childish (adj): While also meaning "of or like a child," this word often has a negative connotation, suggesting immaturity, petulance, or foolishness inappropriate for an adult.
- His childish tantrum was embarrassing.
Synonyms
- Youthful: Having the characteristics of youth.
- Innocent: Free from guilt or sin; simple.
- Naive: Showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment (can be neutral or slightly negative, unlike the generally positive "childly").
Antonyms
- Adult: Fully developed and mature.
- Sophisticated: Having a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture.
- Jaded: Tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something.
Adjective
- befitting a young child
- childlike charm