youthful
YOOTH-fuhl
Youthful (adjective) means looking or behaving young, often despite one's actual age. Example: “She has a remarkably youthful appearance for someone in her sixties.”
adjective
1
Looking or behaving young, often despite one's actual age.
"She has a remarkably youthful appearance for someone in her sixties."
"His youthful energy made him popular with the interns."
How to use youthful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving the look, energy, or spirit of a young person.
Common pairings
youthful appearance
youthful enthusiasm
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more youthful
- Superlative
- most youthful
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She has a remarkably _____ appearance for someone in her sixties.
Etymology
Formed from youth plus -ful.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for youthful
See all rhymes for youthful →Frequently asked questions
What does “youthful” mean?
The word “youthful” means looking or behaving young, often despite one's actual age. In plain terms, having the look, energy, or spirit of a young person.
How do you pronounce “youthful”?
“Youthful” is pronounced YOOTH-fuhl (/ˈjuθfəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “youthful” in a sentence?
Here is “youthful” used in a sentence: “She has a remarkably youthful appearance for someone in her sixties.”
What part of speech is “youthful”?
“Youthful” is an adjective.
Is “youthful” a common word?
“Youthful” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "youthful" and "young"?
"Young" states an actual age, while "youthful" describes looking or behaving young, often despite one's actual age. Someone can be described as youthful in their sixties if they appear or act younger than their years.
Can "youthful" be used to describe things other than people, like energy or appearance?
Yes, "youthful" is commonly applied to qualities such as energy, appearance, enthusiasm, or skin, describing them as having the vigor or freshness associated with young age. It's a flexible adjective used well beyond describing a person's age directly.
Is "youthful" always a compliment?
"Youthful" is generally used positively, praising someone's vitality or appearance as looking or behaving younger than expected. It's rarely used negatively, though it can occasionally imply immaturity depending on context.
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