VocabDictionary

infancy

/ˈɪn.fən.si/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The early stage of growth or development, especially the period of a child's life before being able to walk or talk; babyhood.

Example Sentences:
  • The disease can be successfully treated if it is detected in infancy.
  • She spent her early infancy in a small rural village.
2.noun

The very early stages of development of an organization, system, or project.

Example Sentences:
  • The internet was still in its infancy during the early 1990s.
  • Artificial intelligence technology is currently in its infancy compared to what it will become.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “infancy”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin infantia, from infant- 'unable to speak', from in- 'not' + fans, fant- (present participle of fari 'speak').

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Infancy relates to an 'infant', which is a baby in the earliest stage of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About “infancy

1. What is the meaning of “infancy” in English?

In English, infancy (noun) is defined as: “The early stage of growth or development, especially the period of a child's life before being able to walk or talk; babyhood.”.

2. How do you use “infancy” in a sentence?

The disease can be successfully treated if it is detected in infancy.

3. What are English synonyms of “infancy”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “infancy”?

Late Middle English: from Latin infantia, from infant- 'unable to speak', from in- 'not' + fans, fant- (present participle of fari 'speak').