What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
childishly
Example
He responded childishly to the criticism, throwing a tantrum. [childishly: adverb]
Example
She giggled childishly at the funny joke. [childishly: adverb]
foolishly
Example
He foolishly spent all his money on unnecessary things. [foolishly: adverb]
Example
She made a foolish decision without considering the consequences. [foolish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foolishly is more commonly used than childishly in everyday language. Foolishly is a versatile word that can be applied to various situations where someone's actions lack wisdom or good judgment. On the other hand, childishly is less common and is typically used to describe behavior that resembles that of a child.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between childishly and foolishly?
Both childishly and foolishly can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, foolishly is more commonly used in formal writing or serious discussions where the emphasis is on someone's lack of judgment or wisdom.
