youthful

youthful — adjective

1. showing the active energy, fresh looks, or lively spirit that people normally co

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

showing the active energy, fresh looks, or lively spirit that people normally connect with being young rather than old.

Example

At seventy-five, Dario still had the youthful energy that impressed the younger hikers on the trail.

collocation: youthful energy

The cafe's youthful decor used bright colors and modern furniture to create a fun atmosphere.

Common collocations
  • youthful energy
  • youthful appearance
  • youthful spirit
  • youthful enthusiasm
  • youthful vigor
  • youthful outlook
  • youthful image
Synonyms
  • energetic

    more focused on physical activity and stamina; 'youthful' also covers appearance and attitude.

  • lively

    emphasises active, animated behaviour; 'youthful' includes a broader sense of fresh appearance.

  • fresh-faced

    specifically about having a young, healthy look, especially in the face.

  • spry

    informal term for older people who move actively; narrower in use than 'youthful'.

Antonyms
  • aged

    describes someone who looks or feels old, the opposite of having a youthful appearance or spirit.

  • old-looking

    focuses specifically on appearance rather than qualities or spirit.

Grammar Patterns

youthful + noun

be + youthful

Usage Note

Frequently used to describe people of any age who display qualities associated with youth. Often appears alongside phrases that contrast actual age, such as 'despite being X years old', 'at the age of X', or 'still'.

Common Mistakes

My cousin is only eight, so she is very youthful.
My cousin is only eight, so she is very young.
For describing someone's actual chronological age, use 'young'; 'youthful' focuses on having the qualities of youth and can apply to people of any age.

2. being at a young stage in life, or appearing to be younger than one actually is.

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

being at a young stage in life, or appearing to be younger than one actually is.

Example

The city's youthful population meant that schools and parks were always busy with children.

collocation: youthful population

Renata was offered the director role despite her youthful age, because her skills were outstanding.

collocation: youthful age

Common collocations
  • youthful population
  • youthful age
  • youthful appearance
Synonyms
  • young

    more common and neutral in everyday speech; 'youthful' is more formal.

  • junior

    often used in positions or titles to indicate lower rank or younger age within a group.

  • adolescent

    specifically refers to the teenage years; 'youthful' can apply to any young person.

Antonyms
  • elderly

    describes people who are old in age, the opposite of being young.

  • aged

    formal term for being old, contrasting with 'youthful' in demographic contexts.

Grammar Patterns

youthful + noun

Usage Note

More formal than 'young' in everyday contexts. Common in demographic descriptions (youthful population, youthful workforce) and when noting someone's early age in formal achievements (youthful age of X).

Common Mistakes

The youthful boy of six years played in the garden.
The young boy of six years played in the garden.
For children who are actually young, 'young' is the natural word; 'youthful' sounds overly formal or awkward when describing a child's real age.

Word family

  • youth
    nounA2
  • young
    adjectiveA1
  • youthfully
    adverbB2
  • youthfulness
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Youthful', 'young', 'lively', 'energetic', and 'fresh-faced' all relate to the qualities of youth, but differ in focus. 'Young' is the most general word for someone who has lived for a short time; it refers objectively to chronological age. 'Youthful' is broader — it describes the qualities associated with youth (energy, freshness, enthusiasm) and can apply to people of any age, making it especially useful for older individuals who still seem young at heart. 'Lively' emphasises active, animated behaviour and is often used for events, places, or personalities. 'Energetic' focuses specifically on physical or mental stamina. 'Fresh-faced' describes someone whose face looks young and healthy, without visible signs of aging. For example: A youthful eighty-year-old might be lively at parties, energetic in daily walks, and fresh-faced enough to pass for sixty.

youthful ↗young ↗lively ↗energetic ↗fresh-faced

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • still youthful
  • remarkably youthful
  • surprisingly youthful
  • eternally youthful

Etymology

Proto-Indo-EuropeanProto-GermanicOld EnglishEnglish

'Youthful' is formed by adding the suffix '-ful' (meaning 'full of') to the noun 'youth', which comes from Old English 'geoguþ' meaning 'the state of being young'. The word 'youth' traces back through Proto-Germanic to the Proto-Indo-European root '*yeu-', which carried the meaning of 'vital force' or 'youthful vigor'. The adjective 'youthful' has been in use since at least the 14th century.