childish

A person who is childish acts like a child. This adjective can be used for children and adults. (Do you know what an adjective is?)

• He’s being childish.
• It’s childish to behave that way.
• Don’t be so childish. Act your age!
• That game seems a little too childish for those teenagers.
• The way that she made her demand was a bit childish.
• Childish adults do not make good parents.
• He’s acting in a childish manner.
• He looks so childish the way he folds his arms.

Racing through a grocery store with a shopping cart is childish.

The word "childishly" is an adverb. An adverb modifies a verb.

• He’s behaving childishly.
• She childishly refused to answer the question.
• Adults who settle problems childishly are not good role models for children.

The word "childishness" is a noun.

• The man is well-known for his childishness.
• Childishness is not a good personality trait.
• Please, stop your childishness!
• Childishness on the job is not a good way to impress coworkers and supervisors.

Note: There is a difference between being childish and being young at heart. An adult who feels young or who looks young is not childish.

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January 19, 2019