Callow
Adjective
Definition: (of a young person) inexperienced and immature.
Synonyms: Inexperienced, Immature, Naive, Green, Raw
Antonyms: Experienced, Mature, Seasoned, Wise, Skilled
- The callow recruits struggled to adapt to the demands of military life.
- Her callow behavior betrayed her lack of life experience.
- "Callow" sounds like "kale" which is a vegetable commonly associated with immaturity and inexperience.
- Think of "callow" as "calm yellows", representing the innocence and lack of maturity associated with youth.
Etymology:
The word "callow" comes from the Old English word "calu", meaning "bald" or "bare" and was initially used to describe young birds that had not yet grown feathers. Over time, it transitioned to refer to young people who were similarly lacking in experience or maturity.
Historical Usage:The usage of "callow" to describe inexperienced or immature individuals dates back to the late 16th century.
Related Idioms:
"Callow youth"
Explanation:Referring to young people who are inexperienced and immature, often used to convey a sense of naivety or potential for growth.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "callow" with "shallow".
Explanation:Although the words may sound similar, "callow" refers to youth and inexperience, while "shallow" pertains to a lack of depth or superficiality. It is important not to confuse the two terms, as they convey different meanings.