Question

What is the best description of the connotative meaning of the word childlike in this sentence?

The astrophysicist retained his childlike sense of wonder and never tired of looking at the stars in the night sky.


It has a positive connotation, implying that he is good at teaching children about science.


It has a negative connotation, suggesting that the astrophysicist does not behave in an adult way when doing his research.


It has a positive connotation, suggesting the astrophysicist’s long-lasting and innocent fascination with the universe.


It has a negative connotation, implying that the astrophysicist has the same understanding of science as a child.

Answer 1

It has a positive connotation, suggesting the astrophysicist's long lasting and innocent fascination with the universe.

Answer 2

The correct answer is the third option "It has a positive connotation, suggesting the astrophysicist’s long-lasting and innocent fascination with the universe."

The use of words like "sense of wonder" and " looking at the night sky" are adding meaning, specifically an explanation to the word "childlike", have a positive meaning. Thus, the author wants to emphasize that the asthrophysicist never lost his original curiosity and fascination for the study of the stars, so the word "childlike" refers to his passion being quite similar to that of a child.