neotenous Definition
having characteristics of youth or infancy, such as softness, plumpness, helplessness, and playfulness, even in adulthood.
Using neotenous: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "neotenous" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The neotenous features of the puppy made it irresistible to adopt.
Example
Her neotenous personality made her seem much younger than she actually was.
Example
The artist's work often featured neotenous characters with large eyes and round faces.
neotenous Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with neotenous
the retention of juvenile characteristics into adulthood
Example
The neoteny of certain animals, such as axolotls, makes them popular pets.
having neotenous characteristics
Example
The neotenic appearance of the cartoon characters made them appealing to children.
a style of architecture that emphasizes playful and whimsical design elements
Example
The neotenic architecture of the building made it a popular tourist attraction.
Origins of neotenous
from Greek 'neos' meaning 'young' and 'teinein' meaning 'to stretch'
Summary: neotenous in Brief
The term 'neotenous' [nee-ot-n-uhs] describes adult individuals or things that exhibit youthful or infantile characteristics. These traits can include softness, plumpness, helplessness, and playfulness. The concept of 'neoteny' refers to the retention of juvenile characteristics into adulthood. 'Neotenous' can be used to describe people, animals, or objects, and is often associated with cuteness and innocence.
