Infant

Definition

A very young child or baby.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnfənt/
• Respelling: IN-fuhnt (with "IN" as in "tin" and "fuhnt" as in "blunt")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnfənt/
• Respelling: IN-fuhnt (with "IN" as in "tin" and "fuhnt" as in "blunt")

In both dialects, "infant" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "IN." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "IN-fuhnt."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "infans", meaning "unable to speak", from "in-" ("not") + "fans", the present participle of "fari" ("to speak").

Derivatives

• Infancy (noun)
• Infantile (adjective)
• Infanticide (noun)
• Infantine (adjective)
• Infanter (noun, archaic)

Synonyms

• Baby
• Newborn
• Neonate

Antonyms

• Adult
• Elder
• Senior

Usage

"Infant" is commonly used to refer to very young children, particularly those under one year old. It can also be used in various contexts to describe something in its early stages of development.

Related Terms

• Toddler
• Childhood
• Cradle
• Nursery
• Pediatrician

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Infant (Noun, General): A very young child or baby, typically one who is under one year old.
  • Example: "The infant slept peacefully in the crib."

• Infant (Noun, Development): A person or animal in the early stage of development.
  • Example: "The technology is still in its infant stage."

Adjective

• Infant (Adjective, Descriptive): Relating to infants or infancy.
  • Example: "Infant care requires a lot of patience and attention."

• Infant (Adjective, Early Stage): Describing something in the early stage of development.
  • Example: "The company is in its infant phase."

Note: The term "infant" is typically used to describe a child from birth to age 1. However, in legal contexts, it can also refer to any minor.