FeelingAges 15–20Childlike or childish
Positive: innocent, joyful and full of wonder, like a child.
Grandpa watched the fireworks with childlike delight.
Negative: silly or immature for someone's age.
Sulking over a lost game is childish.
Remember: Childlike keeps a child's good qualities. Childish keeps a child's bad habits.
Short lessonFeeling & toneWords with similar meanings can carry very different feelings. Choosing well shapes how your words land.