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synonym for child-like [adult]

English Language & Usage Asked by Bob P on May 14, 2021

There is a specific term, and it keeps evading me, that refers to an adult who still embraces child-like wonder, curiosity, etc….

Not inferring a child-like or infantile adult, i.e. someone with a disorder.

I believe it begins with “N”. Anyone who may know, your input would greatly be appreciated.

4 Answers

Naive is probably the term you are looking for:

  • Lacking worldly experience and understanding, especially:
  • Simple and guileless; artless: a child with a naive charm.

The Free Dictionary

Answered by user66974 on May 14, 2021

Immature, infantile, puerile, spontaneous, all these words come to mind when we talk about an adult who shows a child-like curiosity.

spontaneous (adj)

  • "done or said in a natural and often sudden way and without a lot of thought or planning"
  • "doing things that have not been planned but that seem enjoyable and worth doing at a particular time" Merriam-Webster

Answered by Centaurus on May 14, 2021

Jejune

Jejune [adjective]
Naive, simplistic, and superficial: (Oxford)

Ludic

Free spirit

“I like to be a free spirit. Some don't like that, but that's the way I am.” ― Diana Princess of Wales

irresponsible

Uncommitted

Answered by Hugh on May 14, 2021

Neoteny - i was just trying to remember it and the "N" in the above comment zapped it right back into my brain.

Answered by Ronnie on May 14, 2021

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