Definitions
- Describing behavior or actions that are silly, immature, or childish. - Referring to something that is trivial, unimportant, or lacking in seriousness. - Talking about a person who behaves in an infantile or foolish manner.
- Describing behavior or actions that are characteristic of young people, especially teenagers. - Referring to something that is immature, undeveloped, or not fully formed. - Talking about a person who is not yet fully grown or developed, such as a child or adolescent.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe behavior or actions that are immature or childish.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people or things.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
- 4Both words can be used to criticize someone's behavior or actions.
What is the difference?
- 1Age: Puerile refers to behavior that is childish or immature, regardless of age, while juvenile specifically refers to behavior or characteristics of young people.
- 2Seriousness: Puerile implies a lack of seriousness or importance, while juvenile can refer to behavior that is not fully developed or mature.
- 3Legal context: Juvenile can also refer to a person who is under the legal age of adulthood, while puerile does not have a legal connotation.
- 4Usage: Puerile is less common than juvenile and may be considered more formal or literary.
- 5Connotation: Puerile has a stronger negative connotation than juvenile, which can sometimes be used in a neutral or positive context.
Remember this!
Puerile and juvenile are synonyms that describe behavior or actions that are immature or childish. However, puerile emphasizes triviality and lack of seriousness, while juvenile refers to behavior that is not fully developed or mature, especially in young people. Additionally, juvenile can also have a legal connotation, while puerile does not.
