Words / C1

PY-oorr-yl/ˈpjʊəraɪl/

Puerile means childish and silly in a way that is irritating in an adult: puerile “full house” copy, a puerile caption. Child (already in the dictionary) is the everyday root; packed talk is not a count.

Meaning

Childish and silly, in a way that is irritating (from child, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “It is puerile to hang “full house” on an empty cell.”
• “Child is already in this course. Juvenile is the close twin. Packed is a vibe. A number on a certificate is the rule. Count the seats; then hang the caption if the cap still holds.”

Good to know

Childishly silly. Everyday: child (already in the dictionary). Packed copy ≠ a count.

Near in meaning

childish, juvenile, infantile

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