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

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

puerile

adjective

/ˈpjʊərʌɪl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of puerile

Childish, immature or silly in a way that is not appropriate for the situation or context.
"The comedian's puerile jokes did not resonate with the sophisticated audience."

Detailed meaning of puerile

It can refer to behavior, actions, or ideas that are characteristic of a young child and lack sophistication or maturity. A puerile person may engage in frivolous or immature activities, make silly jokes, or exhibit a lack of emotional or intellectual depth. The term 'puerile' is often used in a negative sense to suggest a lack of seriousness or sophistication, and may be used to criticize someone for their immaturity or lack of maturity in a particular situation.

Example sentences containing puerile

1. His puerile jokes disrupted the serious meeting, drawing disapproving glances.
2. Her puerile pranks, while amusing to some, annoyed the more mature colleagues.
3. The classroom atmosphere was marred by their puerile behavior.
4. The puerile giggling of the group clashed with the solemnity of the occasion.
5. The movie's puerile humor, though aimed at children, left the adults unimpressed.
6. His puerile antics constantly tested the patience of his teacher.

History and etymology of puerile

The adjective 'puerile' finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'puerilis,' which is derived from 'puer,' meaning 'boy' or 'child.' In its original Latin form, 'puerilis' was used to describe things or behaviors characteristic of a child or young boy. Over time, as language evolved, 'puerile' transitioned into English with a more pejorative connotation. It came to describe actions, behaviors, or expressions that are childish, immature, or silly in a way that is not appropriate for the situation or context. When something is labeled as 'puerile,' it implies a lack of maturity or sophistication, suggesting that it is beneath the level of maturity expected in a given circumstance or conversation.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective puerile:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of puerile

1. The puerile remarks were received with a mixture of laughter and disdain.
2. What started as a civilized discussion quickly devolved into puerile insults.
3. The boss delivered a stern lecture about their puerile conduct.
4. The puerile graffiti on the walls defaced the city's public spaces.
5. She had no patience for his puerile immaturity.
6. The puerile response was completely out of step with the seriousness of the situation.
7. His puerile attitude undermined his credibility in the workplace.
8. They couldn't help but dismiss his puerile reasoning as irrelevant.
9. In a professional setting, puerile behavior is neither tolerated nor excused.
10. His puerile sense of humor didn't resonate with the more sophisticated audience.
11. The puerile remarks he made left his friends feeling embarrassed by association.
12. Puerile pranks seemed to be a rite of passage among the students.
13. The puerile attempt at humor fell flat, met with awkward silence.
14. Engaging in puerile behavior reflects poorly on one's maturity and judgment.
15. The movie was criticized for its puerile humor and lack of substance.
16. His puerile behavior made him seem immature and unprofessional.
17. The children's book was accused of being puerile, as it failed to engage readers of all ages.
18. The critic called the art exhibit puerile and lacking in complexity.
19. The partygoers found the puerile pranks to be tiresome and annoying.
20. His puerile antics at the meeting made him look foolish.
21. The video game was criticized for its puerile storyline and graphics.
22. The student's puerile drawing was deemed inappropriate for the class.
23. The writer's puerile prose made it difficult to take the story seriously.
24. The puerile humor in the movie was not well received by the critics.
25. Her puerile attitude towards the serious matter at hand was not appreciated.