youthful

[ yooth-fuhl ]

adjective

1. characterized by youth; young.
2. of, relating to, or befitting youth:

   youthful enthusiasm.

3. having the appearance, freshness, vigor, etc., of youth:

   She is 60 but her optimism has kept her youthful.

4. in an early period of existence; early in time.
5. Physical Geography. (of topographical features) having undergone erosion to a slight extent only.

youthful

/ ˈjuːθfʊl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, possessing, or characteristic of youth
2. fresh, vigorous, or active

   he's surprisingly youthful for his age

3. in an early stage of development

   a youthful culture

4. Alsoyoung (of a river, valley, or land surface) in the early stage of the cycle of erosion, characterized by steep slopes, lack of flood plains, and V-shaped valleys Compare mature old

Derived Forms

• ˈyouthfully, adverb
• ˈyouthfulness, noun

Other Words From

• youthful·ly adverb
• youthful·ness noun
• pre·youthful adjective
• un·youthful adjective
• un·youthful·ly adverb
• un·youthful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of youthful¹

First recorded in 1555–65; youth + -ful

Synonym Study

See young.

Example Sentences

There is no evidence public opinion is completely against Gatland, with the counter-argument asking what more could he do with the youthful players at his disposal following the retirement of so many of Wales' experienced "golden generation".

From BBC

England's record under him means Tuchel has been spared that prospect of navigating a Nations League play-off while, significantly, Carsley has strengthened the youthful foundations for his successor to build on.

From BBC

Sure, he was the right age, but as he describes it, “I’m a silly man who remains youthful by being silly. So will this fit with my age and what we think of when we think of retirement homes?”

From Los Angeles Times

When I see a “memory”—even one of those youthful photos I like—I’m not seeing all of the background information.

From Slate

Marx recently turned 61; Rick is a preternaturally youthful 75.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adolescent
• boyish
• childish
• childlike
• enthusiastic
• girlish
• inexperienced
• underage
• young