The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

infantile

IPA

Dictionary definition of infantile

Childish, immature, or characteristic of an infant or very young child.
"She found his jokes to be infantile and not funny."

Detailed meaning of infantile

When applied to individuals, actions, or attitudes, it signifies a lack of maturity or sophistication, often suggesting that the behavior is inappropriate for someone of a more advanced age or level of development. Infantile behavior might include tantrums, a lack of self-control, or a narrow focus on immediate gratification. In a broader sense, "infantile" can describe ideas, concepts, or actions that are simplistic, naive, or overly simplistic in their approach, often lacking the depth or complexity expected of more mature perspectives. This term conveys a sense of immaturity and a failure to exhibit the qualities and behaviors typically associated with adulthood or more advanced stages of development.

Example sentences containing infantile

1. His behavior was embarrassingly infantile for a man of his age.
2. The painting depicted the infantile innocence that we all once possessed.
3. The party turned chaotic due to Jake's infantile antics.
4. She found his infantile sense of humor endearing.
5. The company was in its infantile stage, with plenty of room to grow.
6. Her infantile excitement about the simplest things always brought a smile to his face.

History and etymology of infantile

The adjective 'infantile' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'infantilis.' This Latin term is derived from 'infans,' meaning 'infant' or 'child,' which itself comes from 'in,' meaning 'not,' and 'fans,' meaning 'speaking' or 'able to speak.' 'Infantile' describes something that is childish, immature, or characteristic of an infant or a very young child. The term's etymology aptly reflects its meaning, emphasizing traits or behaviors associated with early childhood when communication skills and maturity are limited. 'Infantile' is often used to describe behaviors or attitudes that are age-inappropriate, underscoring a lack of maturity or sophistication.

Quiz: Find the meaning of infantile

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Further usage examples of infantile

1. The infantile simplicity of his drawings brought a unique charm to his art.
2. Despite his age, he retained an infantile fascination with the world.
3. The infantile nature of his tantrums made it difficult to take him seriously.
4. The puppies had an infantile curiosity about every corner of the garden.
5. Sarah's infantile argument lacked any kind of logic.
6. To cope with stress, he often reverted to infantile comfort foods like macaroni and cheese.
7. They had an infantile trust in each other, born from their deep friendship.
8. I was shocked by the infantile way he handled the criticism.
9. The infantile song remained stuck in my head for days.
10. In the early, infantile years of the internet, few could have predicted its influence today.
11. He had an infantile belief in magic, often searching for fairies in the garden.
12. Her laughter had an infantile purity that warmed everyone's heart.
13. Despite his infantile fear of the dark, he bravely ventured into the unlit basement.
14. The psychiatrist studied infantile behavior to better understand human development.