Ask a Teacher

When you refer to an adult's behaviour as being "childish", what you mean is that he is behaving immaturely; he is behaving like a small child. The word has a negative connotation.

For example: I have to admit that I can get very childish about certain things.

Unlike the word "childish", the word "childlike" has a positive connotation. It means having some of the attractive qualities that one normally associates with a child — innocence, simplicity, and sincerity.

For example: Childlike enthusiasm is needed to drive the work forward.