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Puerile - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Puerile means childish or immature, often in a way that is silly or trivial. It describes behavior, remarks, or attitudes that lack seriousness or adult maturity.

puerile

/ˈpjʊrəl/ /ˈpjʊəraɪl/

Definition:

Childishly silly or immature in behavior or attitude.

Synonyms:

Juvenile, childish, immature, infantile, frivolous

Part of Speech:

Adjective

Antonyms:

Mature, sophisticated, adult

Common Collocations:

Puerile humor, puerile behavior, puerile remarks, puerile attitude

Derivatives:

Puerility, puerileness

Usage Tips:

Use "puerile" to describe actions or remarks that seem foolishly juvenile for an adult.

Common Phrases:

Puerile jokes, puerile antics, puerile display

Etymology:

From Latin "puerilis," meaning "childish," derived from "puer" (boy).

Examples:

  • 1. His puerile pranks annoyed the entire class during the lecture.
  • 2. She dismissed his argument as puerile and unworthy of serious discussion.
  • 3. The movie's humor was too puerile for the sophisticated audience.
  • 4. Stop acting in such a puerile manner—this is a professional setting!
  • 5. Their puerile giggling disrupted the solemn ceremony entirely.

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