B2adjectiveemotionsrelationships
US/ˈtʃaɪl.dɪʃ/
UK/ˈtʃaɪl.dɪʃ/
behaving in a silly way that is not suitable for an adult
In context
Stop being so childish and say sorry to your sister.
The two politicians had a childish argument on live television.
It was childish of me to block him just because he disagreed.
Words that go with childish
adjective + noun
- childish behaviorHis childish behavior embarrassed everyone at the meeting.
- childish argumentThey had a childish argument about who sits in front.
- childish jokeHe laughed at his own childish joke.
adjective + preposition
- childish ofIt's childish of you to sulk all day.
adverb + adjective
- rather childishI found the film rather childish.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I love her childish smile.Correct: I love her childlike smile.