coltish
/'koultiʃ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Playful, energetic, and lively in a youthful or frisky manner: Describes behavior that is exuberant, high-spirited, and often physically active, reminiscent of a young horse (a colt). 2. Lacking maturity or sophistication: Can imply a certain naive or unrestrained quality associated with youth.
Usage
The adjective "coltish" is used to describe a person's, especially a young person's, energetic and sometimes awkwardly playful behavior. It often carries a positive or neutral connotation of youthful vitality.
Examples
- The coltish enthusiasm of the puppies was both endearing and exhausting.
- Her coltish grace made her a natural dancer, full of spontaneous movement.
- He was a coltish teenager, all long limbs and clumsy, energetic gestures.
Advanced Usage
- Descriptive of Movement: Often used to describe a particular physical liveliness or an ungainly but energetic way of moving.
- The model's coltish stride became her signature on the runway.
- Implied Comparison: The word inherently contains a simile, comparing human behavior to that of a young horse.
- She had a coltish charm, full of untamed energy.
Variants and Related Words
- Colt (noun): A young male horse, typically under the age of four. This is the root word from which "coltish" is derived.
- Coltishly (adverb): In a coltish manner.
- He bounded coltishly across the room.
Synonyms
- Frolicsome: Playful and full of energy.
- Frisky: Lively, playful, and high-spirited.
- Spirited: Full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination.
- Lively: Full of life and energy; active and outgoing.
Antonyms
- Sedate: Calm, dignified, and unhurried.
- Sober: Serious, sensible, and solemn.
- Staid: Sedate, respectable, and unadventurous.
Adjective
- given to merry frolicking
- frolicsome students celebrated their graduation with parties and practical jokes