Young-hearted
What it means
Keeping the curiosity, playfulness, and openness associated with youth.
Reach for it when praising a lively outlook at any age without denying maturity
Our young-hearted neighbor still joins every community treasure hunt.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
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| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
fresh-minded
Fits when freedom from stale assumptions matters
Careful Fresh-minded is uncommon and may undervalue experience.
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everyday
Fits when openness to learning is the real praise
Careful Curiosity can be quiet and is not inherently youthful.
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everyday
Fits when the familiar idiom is clearest
Careful The phrase can become a cliché if no youthful quality is named.
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warm
Fits when delight in games and experimentation is central
Careful Playfulness is only one part of a young-hearted disposition.
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professional
Fits when energy or freshness should be stated neutrally
Careful Youthful may describe appearance rather than outlook.
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formal
Fits when mood recovers readily from setbacks
Careful Buoyancy concerns emotional lift rather than a broad youthful outlook.
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literary
Fits when lively courage animates the person
Careful Spirited can be combative and need not imply curiosity.
Opposites 3
- jaded
- world-weary
- cynical
Common phrases 3
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young-hearted neighbor
Our young-hearted neighbor organized the street's silliest relay.
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remain young-hearted
She remained young-hearted without pretending age had taught her nothing.
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young-hearted outlook
His young-hearted outlook made room for wonder and revision.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Young-hearted praise should not imply that age, seriousness, or physical limits are defects.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated