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Webster 1913 Edition


Childlike

Child′likeˊ

(chīld′līkˊ)
,
Adj.
Resembling a child, or that which belongs to children; becoming a child; meek; submissive; dutiful.
Childlike obedience.”
Hooker.
Childlike, as applied to persons grown up, is commonly in a good sense; as,
childlike
grace or simplicity;
childlike
modesty.

Webster 1828 Edition


Childlike

CHILDLIKE

,
Adj.
Resembling a child or that which belongs to children; becoming a child; meek; submissive; dutiful; as childlike obedience.

Definition 2024


childlike

childlike

See also: child-like

English

Adjective

childlike (comparative more childlike, superlative most childlike)

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

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.

Synonyms

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Translations

References

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