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Puerility - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Puerility refers to childish or immature behavior, often marked by silliness or lack of seriousness. It describes actions or attitudes typical of a young child, sometimes in a negative context.

puerility

/ˌpjʊrəˈlɪləti/ /ˌpjʊərɪˈlɪləti/

Definition:

Childishness or immaturity, often in behavior or attitude.

Synonyms:

Immaturity, childishness, juvenility, silliness

Part of Speech:

Noun

Antonyms:

Maturity, sophistication

Common Collocations:

Display puerility, childish puerility, sheer puerility

Derivatives:

Puerile, puerilism

Usage Tips:

Use "puerility" to describe behavior or attitudes that are immature or foolishly childish.

Common Phrases:

Acts of puerility, lapse into puerility

Etymology:

From Latin "puerilitas," meaning childishness, derived from "puer" (boy).

Examples:

  • 1. His constant jokes showed a surprising level of puerility for a grown man.
  • 2. The meeting was disrupted by their petty arguments and puerility.
  • 3. She sighed at the puerility of their pranks during class.
  • 4. His refusal to apologize revealed his stubborn puerility.

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