CHILDISHLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does childishly mean? 

• CHILDISHLY (adverb)
  The adverb CHILDISHLY has 1 sense:

1. in a childlike manner

  Familiarity information: CHILDISHLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CHILDISHLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a childlike manner

Context example:

he acted very childishly

Pertainym:

childish (indicating a lack of maturity)

 Context examples 

We loitered along in front of them, and Dora often stopped to admire this one or that one, and I stopped to admire the same one, and Dora, laughing, held the dog up childishly, to smell the flowers; and if we were not all three in Fairyland, certainly I was.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Mr. Dixon was so well pleased with his new name, and appeared to think it so obliging in Mr. Micawber to confer it upon him, that he shook hands with him again, and laughed rather childishly.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

“Though harrowing to myself to mention, the alienation of Mr. Micawber (formerly so domesticated) from his wife and family, is the cause of my addressing my unhappy appeal to Mr. Traddles, and soliciting his best indulgence. Mr. T. can form no adequate idea of the change in Mr. Micawber's conduct, of his wildness, of his violence. It has gradually augmented, until it assumes the appearance of aberration of intellect. Scarcely a day passes, I assure Mr. Traddles, on which some paroxysm does not take place. Mr. T. will not require me to depict my feelings, when I inform him that I have become accustomed to hear Mr. Micawber assert that he has sold himself to the D. Mystery and secrecy have long been his principal characteristic, have long replaced unlimited confidence. The slightest provocation, even being asked if there is anything he would prefer for dinner, causes him to express a wish for a separation. Last night, on being childishly solicited for twopence, to buy “lemon-stunners”—a local sweetmeat—he presented an oyster-knife at the twins!

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)