babyishness
|be-bi-ish-ness|
/ˈbeɪ.bi.ɪʃ.nəs/
like a baby; immaturity
Etymology
'babyishness' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'babyish' plus the suffix '-ness' (from Old English '-nes(s)e' meaning 'state or quality'), where 'babyish' itself derives from 'baby' meaning 'very young child'.
'baby' comes from Middle English 'babi' or 'baby' (imitative/child language), which led to the adjective 'babyish' (meaning 'like a baby'), and modern English formed 'babyishness' by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ness'.
Initially, 'babyish' simply described resemblance to a baby; over time the derived noun 'babyishness' came to be used frequently to criticize immature or childish behavior as well as to describe baby-like qualities.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being babyish; exhibiting characteristics associated with a baby, especially immaturity or childishness.
His babyishness showed when he refused to apologize for his mistake.
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Noun 2
a resemblance to a baby in appearance or manner (softness, helplessness, or cuteness), not necessarily negative.
There was a sweet babyishness to her voice that everyone noticed.
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Last updated: 2025/12/23 13:09