childlike

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Adjective 1.2.1 Quotations 1.2.2 Synonyms 1.2.3 Derived terms 1.2.4 Related terms 1.3 References

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

child +‎ -like

[edit] Adjective

childlike (comparative more childlike, superlative most childlike)

1. innocent and trustful; credulous; artless
2. of, like, or suitable for a child; meek; submissive

[edit] Quotations

• 1859: Henry Barnard, Pestalozzi and Pestalozzianism

  And on the other hand, fatherly and childlike feelings in the national spirit, are the sources of all pure national blessings.

• 1894: Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Lessings Nathan Der Weise

  He certainly has childlike simplicity, and all the qualities which go to make up a true Christian character.

[edit] Synonyms

• childish
• childly
• See also Wikisaurus:naive

[edit] Derived terms

• childlikeness

[edit] Related terms

• child
• childishly
• childlishness

[edit] References

• childlike in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• childlike in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913