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Imantaghavi Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary

Childish / Childlike

Hi,

What's the difference between childlike and childish? 
I think the former used behavior since the latter used for some physical resemblances  to a child. Am I right?

I appreciate your help in advance,

Iman
  

Top answer

Generally, childish is negative, it means immature. Childlike is usually used for behavior, curious or excited about new things. I wouldn't use it for physical description, it may be construed as insulting.

— Vorpar

  • Generally, childish is negative, it means immature.
  • Childlike is usually used for behavior, curious or excited about new things.
  • I wouldn't use it for physical description, it may be construed as insulting.
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7 Answers
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Generally, childish is negative, it means immature.

Childlike is usually used for behavior, curious or excited about new things. I wouldn't use it for physical description, it may be construed as insulting.
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My opinion, "childish" seems to bring in a bit of a negative impact on someone's behavior, just imagine a whinnying adult; while "childlike" denotes a positive mark, relating to child's qualities, like being playful, forgiving, etc....
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Hi Iman.nice to see you again!Childlike-is used as the way of innocence/simplicity/directness.For ex:'You know I need you' he said with childlike simplicity.

Childish-is used to show unpleasent,disapproving qualities.For ex:We're fed up his childish actions.
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Hi Nara,

That's big of you. Thanks a lot.

Iman
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You are welcome Iman !
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"Childish" is typically used to describe the behavior of a non-child: "He's in college but his behavior is still childish."

"Childlike" often has an ominous or sinister connotation: "When we moved into that old house, I sometimes thought I saw a childlike figure standing at the door of my bedroom."
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