Question

Daring Dachshund and Pup Wonder Save the Day . . . Not The denotation of the word childish is "like a child." Review the definitions of the following words, each of which has a denotation similar to the denotation of childish.
naive lacking sophistication; ignorant about human nature or behavior
youthful having freshness, energy, healthy looks, or other positive qualities associated with youth
immature not fully mature; lacking in taste, judgment, or other positive capacities associated with adulthood
impressionable easily impressed, persuaded, or changed

Which of the words listed has the connotation closest to childish? Base your answer on the context of the passage as well as the definitions above.

1. Naive
2. Youthful
3. Immature
4. Impressionable

Answer 1

3. Immature

Rationale: In the passage’s sarcastic tone (“Save the Day . . . Not”), “childish” is used negatively to suggest lack of maturity or poor judgment. “Immature” shares that negative connotation. The others are less close: “naive” implies innocence, “youthful” is positive, and “impressionable” means easily influenced rather than simply immature.