childlike
UK[ˈtʃaɪldlaɪk]US[ˈtʃaɪldlaɪk]
adj
having the good qualities, such as innocence, associated with a child
adj
(often disapproving) typical of a child in a way that is silly or unsuitable for an adult
Morpheme Breakdown
child
like
child
young person
like
having the qualities of
Etymology
the word 'childlike' is a transparent compound formed within english from the native germanic elements 'child' and 'like'. the old english suffix '-līc' (modern '-ly' and '-like'), derived from a noun meaning 'body' or 'form', evolved into an adjective-forming element denoting resemblance. when attached to 'child', it literally means 'having the form or character of a child'. this construction follows a common germanic pattern for creating descriptive adjectives. over time, 'childlike' has developed a nuanced meaning, often carrying a positive connotation of innocence and simplicity, in contrast to its counterpart 'childish', which can imply immaturity.
Analysis
Structure: child (young person) + like (having the qualities of)
child: from old english 'cild', meaning a young person before puberty. its ultimate origin is uncertain, possibly from a proto-germanic root.
like: from old english 'līc', meaning body or form, evolving into a suffix meaning 'having the form or character of'. it is related to the germanic root līk- meaning 'body, form'.
Examples
she has a childlike sense of wonder about the natural world.
his childlike enthusiasm for the project was infectious.
the painting is executed in a deliberately childlike style.