The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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callow

adjective

/ˈkæl oʊ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of callow

Immature or inexperienced, especially in a way that is noticeable or annoying.
"The new intern's callow behavior made it clear he was fresh out of college."

Detailed meaning of callow

It can be used to describe young people who are naive or lacking in judgment due to their lack of life experience, or adults who are inexperienced in a particular field or activity. The term "callow" often connotes a sense of immaturity or inexperience that is accompanied by a certain level of foolishness or lack of common sense. For example, a callow teenager may make impulsive decisions without thinking about the consequences, while a callow employee may make mistakes due to their lack of knowledge or training. Overall, the term "callow" suggests a lack of maturity or experience that may lead to poor decision-making or judgment.

Example sentences containing callow

1. The callow intern misunderstood the assignment but learned a valuable lesson on clarifying instructions.
2. Despite his callow demeanor, he had an enthusiasm that was contagious among his colleagues.
3. The callow artist's work lacked depth, but showed a raw talent that couldn't be ignored.
4. Even though she was callow in political matters, her innate curiosity made her keen to learn.
5. The callow teenager made reckless choices, but they served as stepping stones for his maturation.
6. The callow athlete's lack of strategy was evident, yet his sheer physical prowess compensated for it.

History and etymology of callow

The adjective 'callow' has an etymology that can be traced back to Middle English and Old English. It is derived from the Old English word 'calu,' meaning 'bald' or 'bare,' which was used metaphorically to describe a young bird without feathers. This evolved into the Middle English term 'calwe,' which referred to a young and immature bird. Over time, 'callow' took on a broader meaning to describe individuals, particularly young people, who are immature or inexperienced, often in a noticeable or annoying way. This etymology draws a vivid comparison between the appearance of young, featherless birds and the inexperience and immaturity of certain individuals, highlighting the transition from a physical description to a metaphorical one.

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Further usage examples of callow

1. Amidst seasoned veterans, the callow soldier felt out of place but was eager to prove his worth.
2. His callow approach to investing led to losses, but it was a necessary lesson in financial prudence.
3. The director's callow handling of sensitive themes drew criticism but also sparked crucial conversations.
4. Her callow understanding of the scientific method didn't deter her from pursuing a career in research.
5. In a room full of experts, his callow opinions were quickly dismissed, but his resilience remained intact.
6. The callow musician stumbled through her first performance, yet the crowd appreciated her courage.
7. His callow attempts at humor often missed the mark, but they did lighten the mood occasionally.
8. The callow writer's narrative was flawed, but his unique voice promised future literary accomplishments.
9. A callow approach to cooking led to some culinary disasters, yet it also produced unexpected delights.
10. Her callow management of time resulted in stress, but it taught her the value of planning ahead.
11. The callow volunteer's initial awkwardness turned into proficient skill through consistent training.
12. The student's callow interpretation of the text lacked nuance, but it was an earnest attempt.
13. Due to his callow stage presence, the comedian failed to capture the audience but learned a lot.
14. Despite their callow strategies, the young activists successfully drew attention to their cause.
15. She was callow in her first job interview, but her sincerity left a lasting impression on the panel.
16. Though callow in his understanding of the law, he had an intuitive sense for justice.
17. The callow actor's overacting was noticeable, but it highlighted his enthusiasm for the role.
18. His callow approach to relationships led to misunderstandings but also opportunities for growth.
19. Despite her callow manner in social settings, she possessed a genuine warmth that people loved.
20. Though the journalist was callow, his fresh perspective added a new dimension to the story.
21. The callow explorer underestimated the challenges but came back enriched by humbling experiences.
22. Her callow lack of foresight resulted in avoidable mistakes, but it instigated a focus on preparation.
23. The callow technician struggled with the complex machinery, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
24. Even in his callow years, his kindness was so pronounced that people often overlooked his immaturity.