Puerile
adjective
Acting in an immature way, like a child.
The politicians were engaging in puerile arguments instead of discussing the real issues.
Often appears as...
- puerile behavior
- puerileattitude
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
adjective
Not interesting or effective because of being too simple or not sincere or intelligent.
I found her whole argument profoundly puerile.
Often appears as...
- puerile argument
- puerile efforts
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
adjective
Acting in an immature way, like a child.
The politicians were engaging in puerile arguments instead of discussing the real issues.
Often appears as...
- puerile behavior
- puerileattitude
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
adjective
Not interesting or effective because of being too simple or not sincere or intelligent.
I found her whole argument profoundly puerile.
Often appears as...
- puerile argument
- puerile efforts
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Using 'puerile' often implies disapproval of someone's immature behavior.
Stop throwing food; such puerile conduct is unacceptable at your age.
Pro Tip 2/3Serious Contexts
'Puerile' is used in formal or serious situations where childishness is out of place.
In the courtroom, the lawyer's puerile antics exasperated the judge.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Praise
Never use 'puerile' to compliment someone, as it is not a flattering adjective.
He mistook the critique for a compliment and proudly repeated the puerile remark.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Using 'puerile' often implies disapproval of someone's immature behavior.
Stop throwing food; such puerile conduct is unacceptable at your age.
Pro Tip 2/3Serious Contexts
'Puerile' is used in formal or serious situations where childishness is out of place.
In the courtroom, the lawyer's puerile antics exasperated the judge.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Praise
Never use 'puerile' to compliment someone, as it is not a flattering adjective.
He mistook the critique for a compliment and proudly repeated the puerile remark.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Using 'puerile' often implies disapproval of someone's immature behavior.
Stop throwing food; such puerile conduct is unacceptable at your age.
Pro Tip 2/3Serious Contexts
'Puerile' is used in formal or serious situations where childishness is out of place.
In the courtroom, the lawyer's puerile antics exasperated the judge.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Praise
Never use 'puerile' to compliment someone, as it is not a flattering adjective.
He mistook the critique for a compliment and proudly repeated the puerile remark.
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Quote examples
D. H. Lawrence
English Writer
God how I hate new countries: They are older than the old, more sophisticated, much more conceited, only young in a certain puerile vanity more like senility than anything.
Quote examples
John Byrne
American Author
It's that invasive and puerile curiosity to feed a tabloid culture. I don't subscribe to it.
Quote examples
Ellen Ullman
American
I am not intimidated by puerile boys acting like pre-teens.
Quote examples
Thom Yorke
English Musician
At home I've got a very puerile, juvenile sense of humour.
Quote examples
D. H. Lawrence
English Writer
God how I hate new countries: They are older than the old, more sophisticated, much more conceited, only young in a certain puerile vanity more like senility than anything.
Quote examples
John Byrne
American Author
It's that invasive and puerile curiosity to feed a tabloid culture. I don't subscribe to it.
Quote examples
Ellen Ullman
American
I am not intimidated by puerile boys acting like pre-teens.
Quote examples
Thom Yorke
English Musician
At home I've got a very puerile, juvenile sense of humour.
Example 1 of 4
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