Childish vs. Childlike — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Childish refers to immature behavior expected from a child, whereas Childlike denotes purity, innocence, and wonder associated with children.
Difference Between Childish and Childlike
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Childish behavior often implies an immaturity or pettiness not deemed appropriate for one's age. In contrast, Childlike attributes capture the endearing, innocent qualities typically seen in children.
When one exhibits Childish tendencies, it may be perceived negatively, suggesting they should outgrow such behaviors. Childlike, however, suggests a positive and wholesome admiration of the world, reminiscent of a child's perspective.
A Childish reaction might involve throwing a tantrum when things don't go one's way. On the other hand, a Childlike wonder might involve marveling at a rainbow or a butterfly, regardless of age.
People often advise against Childish behavior in adults, expecting them to act their age. Yet, possessing a Childlike disposition—full of curiosity and awe—is often considered a virtue, keeping one's spirit youthful and alive.
Comparison Chart
Connotation
Negative (immaturity, pettiness)
Positive (innocence, wonder)
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Typical Use
Behavior unbecoming of one's age
Endearing qualities reminiscent of children
Examples
Tantrums, jealousy
Curiosity, marveling at nature
Acceptance in Adults
Generally discouraged
Often admired and considered virtuous
Origin
Derived from behaviors expected of children, but inappropriate for adults
Captures the essence of positive childhood attributes
Compare with Definitions
Childish
Characteristic of a young child, not fitting for an adult.
His Childish antics at the party were off-putting.
Childlike
Exhibiting wonder and curiosity.
He had a Childlike fascination with stars.
Childish
Displaying qualities unbecoming of one's age.
Throwing a fit over minor issues is Childish.
Childlike
Having the endearing qualities of a child.
Her laughter was pure and Childlike.
Childish
Exhibiting immature behavior.
Her refusal to compromise was Childish.
Childlike
Reflecting a simple and genuine nature.
There's a Childlike sincerity in his words.
Childish
Acting in a naive or simplistic manner.
His Childish approach to the problem didn't help.
Childlike
Displaying innocence and purity.
Her Childlike joy was infectious.
Childish
Marked by pettiness or lack of wisdom.
Engaging in gossip is rather Childish.
Childlike
Demonstrating the untainted perspective of a child.
She looked at the world with Childlike wonder.
Childish
Of, relating to, or suitable for a child or childhood
A high, childish voice.
Childish nightmares.
Childlike
Like or befitting a child, as in innocence, trustfulness, or candor.
Childish
Marked by or indicating a lack of maturity; puerile
Tired of your childish pranks.
Childlike
Innocent and trustful; credulous; artless.
Childish
Of or suitable for a child.
Childlike
Of, like, or suitable for a child.
Childish
Immature in thought or behaviour.
Your childish temper tantrums are not going to change my decision on this matter.
Childlike
Resembling a child, or that which belongs to children; becoming a child; meek; submissive; dutiful.
Childish
Of, pertaining to, befitting, or resembling, a child.
Childlike
Befitting a young child;
Childlike charm
Childish
Puerile; trifling; weak.
Methinks that simplicity in her countenance is rather childish than innocent.
Childlike
Exhibiting childlike simplicity and credulity;
Childlike trust
Dewy-eyed innocence
Simple courtesy
Childish
Indicating a lack of maturity;
Childish tantrums
Infantile behavior
Common Curiosities
Can Childish ever be a positive term?
Contextually, it might be used affectionately, but generally, it has a negative connotation.
Is Childish behavior acceptable in adults?
Generally, Childish behavior is discouraged in adults as it denotes immaturity.
Are Childish and Childlike opposites?
Not opposites, but they convey different qualities—one negative and one positive.
Can Childlike qualities help in creativity?
Yes, Childlike curiosity and wonder can often fuel creativity.
Is a Childlike demeanor considered good?
Yes, a Childlike demeanor, indicating purity and wonder, is often admired.
Can a person be both Childish and Childlike?
Yes, someone can exhibit Childish immaturity in some instances and Childlike wonder in others.
Why is Childish behavior discouraged?
Childish behavior, implying pettiness or immaturity, is often not constructive or appropriate for adults.
What's an example of Childlike wonder?
Being fascinated by snowfall or a blooming flower, regardless of age, shows Childlike wonder.
Is being Childlike synonymous with being naive?
Not always. While Childlike suggests innocence, it doesn't necessarily imply gullibility.
How can one shift from Childish to Childlike?
Self-awareness and maturity can help one embrace Childlike wonder while outgrowing Childish immaturity.
Is it wrong for adults to be Childlike?
No, many believe a Childlike perspective keeps the spirit youthful and open-minded.
Why is Childlike innocence admired?
It represents a pure, untainted view of the world, free from cynicism.
Do all children exhibit Childish behavior?
To some extent, as Childish behaviors are developmentally normal for them.
Can a story be both Childish and Childlike?
Yes, it might have Childish elements or themes but be presented with a Childlike sense of wonder.
Does Childish behavior always relate to age?
Primarily, but it's about behaviors deemed inappropriate for a certain maturity level, not just age.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
