child - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
child Word Meanings
- a young human being below the age of puberty
- the son or daughter of a parent
- an immature person
child Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
child Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/tʃaɪld/
US
/tʃaɪld/
child Word Etymology
Root: 'cild' (Old English) - Historical Origin: Old English → Germanic → Proto-Indo-European - Memory Image: Imagine a small child playing with toys, showcasing innocence and youth.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean down to tie a shoelace and my hands move toward the child. I lift my gaze as the child steps closer, and I adjust my grip to hold the small hand. This moment shifts from simple action to care, the warm trust growing between us. In real life I keep my pace steady, let small stumbles teach us, and move together toward the next step.
Real Context
Child is a noun for a young human being who has not yet reached puberty. It also refers to your son or daughter, especially when describing family relationships, or to young people in formal or academic contexts. In everyday speech, people often say kid, but child sounds more neutral or polite. The irregular plural is children. The notion of child carries an idea of dependency and development, not gender. The etymology goes back to Old English cild, with cognates in other Germanic languages, and ultimately to Proto-Indo-European roots. Keep in mind that most languages mark age differently, so translations may require explicit age ranges or family terms.
Usage Reminders
- - Use child for formal or neutral references to age.- Use kid in casual speech or informal writing.- Remember the plural is irregular: children.- When talking about a specific family member, you can say my child, not necessarily gendered.- Avoid using child to refer to adults or very old youths; use young person for broader contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Child always means a boy or a girl; it is gender-neutral.
- Children is only used for more than one child, not for a single person.
- Child cannot refer to a teenager; it does when referring to very young people.
- Child is the same as kid in all contexts.
- Archaic spellings like 'childe' are common in modern English texts.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate formal, neutral, and informal uses of child. Learners often mix neutral 'child' with casual 'kid' or try to use 'children' for a single person. English also marks age implicitly; learners may need explicit age ranges in translations.
Learning Tips
- Practice switching between child and kid in informal vs formal writing.
- Remember the irregular plural: children.
- Link the word to family terms: my child, your child, their child.
- Use age descriptions to clarify: a young child, a preschool child.
- Pair with adverbs like carefully, gently to reflect care in parenting contexts.
- Compare with 'infant' or 'minor' for legal or medical contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'child' used correctly?
A.The child is meowing at the door.
B.The cat is playing with its favorite toy.
C.The adult is attending the kindergarten class.
D.The dog is driving the car.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'child'?
A.Adult
B.Infant
C.Senior
D.Teenager
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'child'?
A.Robot
B.Student
C.Parent
D.Elderly
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you find a 'child'?
A.Playing in a playground
B.Driving a car
C.Cooking a gourmet meal
D.Running a business
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App