What's the Difference between Immature and Childish?

Being childish has to do with behavior. Being immature is more on an emotional level.

In some respects these peoples definitions are close. Immature is emotionally inept and childish is doing things that remind one of a child. Like skipping or play hopschotch. And childish expressions. Men are attracted to women who are child-like. Childish is different. Acting like a kid and being silly.

I think childish is when someone acts like a child while being immature is someone who doesn't want to grow. They don't want to evolve and grow so they stick to their old ways and do it stubornly.

Oh I would be one of them because i still think that the two have the same meaning .. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day ahead.

I'm immature, and childish too. I believe we both have some sides of that in our lives. Though somehow they are different, but usually, they go together. We usually act immature and childish at the same time.

Yes, many are confused between the usage of word "immature" and "childish". I agree with allisonkk99 response. Being "immature" reflects a young and inexperienced person. It is usually seen in their behavior of bearing the characteristic of a lack of maturity, or called immature behavior. Immature is a term normally used to describe young people, in an early period of life or development or growth. They are still babyish, undeveloped, youthful, and unsophisticated. As for "childish", it indicates a person's lack of maturity like childish tantrums, and infantile behavior. They behaves like a child despite being an adult, and their being is more suitable being in the manner of a child. This is what normally some old people's saying, "Having an adult's appearance (body), but the brain (thinking) is still like that of a child.

I had always assumed that immature and childish meant the same thing and I have used the two terms interchangeably.It wasn't until I saw your discussion that I considered that their may be a difference. I did some research and I think I have found the answer.Being childish is merely being child-like and enjoying things that would appeal to a child,which usually doesn't cause any problems.Immaturity is the failure to take on the responsibilities of an adult,behave like an adult and control their emotions like an adult.Though they may coexist in people they aren't always connected.And a childish person can be more mature than someone who seems to act in more of an adult way.

Well, immature is childish. Maybe what you're refering to is "childlike" - being like a child in a positive way. Childish often has negative connotations like immature.

Hi friend! I tried to find the meaning of immature and one of the meaning is childish. So personally I could say that they are somehow similar. Well, this is just my opinion. Have a nice day!

Thanks a ton for posting this discussion. Yes u are very much correct. i think they are almost the same but are used in different context. When u say that someone is behaving in a childish manner means that he is possessing all those silly children type behaviors that are not accepted by the adults. On the other hand when u say about someone acting immature u mean that he is yet to get into that adult level and making silly mistakes. So in a way they are related to some extent. What say?

It is usually used interchangeably but I think immature is usually defined as a person who decides things based on plain view. This can also be related to the mental ability of one person in comprehending things and situations. While being childish is plainly acting like a child. Crying over spilled milk is one good trait that can be attributed to being childish. In addition, it can also be linked to behavioral orientation. In addition, a childish person is not necessarily an immature person and vice-versa.