2006-07-29 09:05:50 · 9 answers · asked by Chris cc 1 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
The difference is between denotation and connotation. They both denote approximately the same thing, but their connotations are quite different.
Youthful has positive connotations, such as Joie de vivre. Anyone can be youthful in appearance or attitude.
Childish is often a pejorative term. It connotes immaturity that is willful or annoying.
2006-07-29 09:09:19 · answer #1 · answered by Snance 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm a 64 year old man who has stopped looking at himself in the mirror because I don't recognise the face staring back at me.
I feel exactly the same inside as I did when I was 24.
I don't put on a false personality, I'm just me.
I went to my grandson's school sports day two weeks ago and there was a Grandparents race. I was the only person willing to go in for it - so I joined in the father's race, against mainly 25 to 35 year olds - and came 6th out of 15.
I feel that I am being "youthful"
Others, especially my wife, two sons and my 3 grandchildren feel that I'm being childish!
2006-07-29 09:18:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Youthful...
Characterized by youth; young.
Of, relating to, or suggesting youth. See Synonyms at young.
In an early stage of development; new.
Geology. Young: a youthful streambed.
Childish
Of, relating to, or suitable for a child or childhood: a high, childish voice; childish nightmares.
Marked by or indicating a lack of maturity; puerile: tired of your childish pranks.
Not complicated; simple.
Affected mentally by old age; senile.
2006-07-29 09:17:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Childish usually refers to the behaviour of a person, not the looks at which I believe Youthful refers too.
2006-07-30 04:56:35 · answer #4 · answered by Emma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Youthful means that is a young person. Childish means that it acts like a child.
2006-07-29 09:09:28 · answer #5 · answered by ranjolie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Youthful means young and not old.
Childish is acting like a child, in many connotations, immature.
2006-07-29 09:10:57 · answer #6 · answered by ♪Grillon♫ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
youthful = full of fun energy
childish = lacking judgment skills
2006-07-29 10:01:55 · answer #7 · answered by aj 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It refers to someone who looks fresh; vigorous and lively and can also mean not yet matured or aged; young.
Childish means someone who is not acting their age and behaves as a child would.
2006-07-29 22:05:55 · answer #8 · answered by VelvetRose 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
age, youthfulness has more stealth.
2006-07-29 09:58:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋