Kidlike
What it means
Showing a child's appealing curiosity, openness, or delight.
Reach for it when praising youthful wonder without suggesting immaturity
Her kidlike excitement made the first snowfall feel new to everyone.
Showing a child's appealing curiosity, openness, or delight.
Reach for it when praising youthful wonder without suggesting immaturity
Her kidlike excitement made the first snowfall feel new to everyone.
| playful |
|
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
everyday
Fits when lighthearted fun is the specific quality
Careful Playful does not carry kidlike openness or innocence.
everyday
Fits when energy and freshness matter most
Careful Youthful may refer to appearance rather than attitude.
warm
childlike
Fits when innocence or wonder deserves gentle praise
Careful Childlike should not excuse poor judgment.
professional
Fits when eagerness to discover is what helps
Careful Curious is age-neutral and loses the youthful warmth.
formal
Fits when freedom from cynicism is central
Careful Innocent can make an adult sound unaware of ordinary realities.
literary
Fits when fresh wonder is visible in a response
Careful Wide-eyed may imply naivety where competence matters.
kidlike wonder
He greeted the migrating cranes with kidlike wonder.
kidlike delight
Kidlike delight spread across her face when the tiny train moved.
kidlike curiosity
Their kidlike curiosity turned the tide pool into an afternoon of discovery.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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