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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

The family talent stretches to daughter Romany Gilmour, whose youthful, pure voice and persona has a lovely gravitas, as exemplified on the new song “Between Two Points.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Their youthful energy has made me feel younger and even more confident,” he told the gathered media ahead of take-off.

From BBC

Movie theaters need all the youthful enthusiasm they can get.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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