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synonym for child-like [adult]

English Language & Usage Asked on November 18, 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

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 November 18, 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 November 18, 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 November 18, 2021

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 November 18, 2021

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