INFANTILE Meaning and
Definition
-
Infantile is an adjective used to describe something that is related to or characteristic of an infant or very young child. It is derived from the Latin word "infans," which means "not speaking" or "speechless."
In its primary sense, infantile refers to behaviors, attitudes, or traits that are typical of young children. These may include a lack of maturity, immaturity, or childishness, often associated with naïveté or innocence. For instance, someone with an infantile sense of humor is prone to finding simple and immature jokes amusing.
Infantile can also describe illnesses or conditions that specifically affect infants or young children. An example of this is infantile paralysis (also known as poliomyelitis) – a virus-caused disease that mostly affects children and can result in paralysis or muscle weakness.
In a psychological context, infantile can signify an arrested or underdeveloped emotional or mental state, reminiscent of a child's mindset. It might describe individuals displaying traits such as dependency, tantrums, or an inclination towards immediate gratification.
Furthermore, the term can be used metaphorically to criticize or disparage someone for exhibiting behavior or thoughts that are trivial, immature, or lacking intellectual depth.
In summary, the adjective "infantile" describes characteristics, traits, or behaviors that resemble those of young children, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
Of or relating to an infant; young; childish.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for INFANTILE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for INFANTILE
Etymology of INFANTILE
The word "infantile" comes from the Latin word "infantilis", which is derived from the Latin word "infans" meaning "infant" or "young child". The suffix "-ilis" denotes a characteristic or quality, thus "infantilis" means "characteristic of an infant" or "pertaining to infancy". Over time, this Latin term was adopted into the English language with the same meaning, describing something that is childish, immature, or characteristic of an infant.
Similar spelling words for INFANTILE
- infanticide,
- infant death,
- infantino,
- infantilism,
- infancy,
- infantryman,
- Infante,
- invent,
- invented,
- infinitely,
- infantry,
- infant,
- inventively,
- infinite,
- infertile,
- inventive,
- infinitive.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
