adj
childish
CHYL-dihsh
adj
1
Behaving in an immature way, typically expected only of a child.
"Storming out of the meeting was a pretty childish reaction."
"Stop being so childish and just apologize."
How to Use Childish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishActing in an immature, petty way — usually a criticism when applied to an adult.
Common mistake
"Childish" is usually negative (immature); "childlike" is usually positive (innocent, wide-eyed wonder).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
childish behavior
childish tantrum
Word Forms
more childish comparative, most childish superlative
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Storming out of the meeting was a pretty _____ reaction.
Etymology
From Old English ċildisċ, formed from "child" plus the suffix -ish.