Puppylike - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Puppylike describes someone or something that resembles a puppy, often in behavior or appearance. It suggests playfulness, enthusiasm, innocence, or affection, similar to the traits of a young dog.
Definition:
Resembling or characteristic of a puppy, especially in being playful, affectionate, or clumsy.
Synonyms:
puppish, doglike, playful, frisky
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
mature, serious, aloof
Common Collocations:
puppylike energy, puppylike enthusiasm, puppylike behavior
Derivatives:
puppylikeness (rare), puppylikely (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "puppylike" to describe someone’s energetic or affectionate behavior resembling a young dog’s traits.
Common Phrases:
puppylike charm, puppylike excitement, puppylike antics
Etymology:
Derived from "puppy" (young dog) + "-like" (suffix meaning resembling). First recorded in the early 20th century.
Examples:
- 1. The child’s puppylike energy kept everyone entertained.
- 2. Her puppylike enthusiasm made her the life of the party.
- 3. He greeted me with a puppylike eagerness that was endearing.
- 4. The kitten’s puppylike clumsiness surprised us all.