Adolescents: meaning, definitions and examples

👦👧

Add to dictionary

adolescents

[ˌæd.əˈles.ənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

teenagers

Adolescents are young people who are in the transitional stage between childhood and adulthood. This stage is characterized by physical, emotional, and social changes as they navigate through puberty and develop their own identity.

Synonyms

teenagers, young adults, youth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
adolescents	Used in more formal contexts, such as academic or medical discussions, to describe people going through the developmental stage of adolescence, typically between the ages of 10 and 19. Adolescents often experience rapid physical and emotional changes. The study focused on the mental health of adolescents.
teenagers	Similar to 'teens', but slightly more formal. It is often used in a general context to describe people between 13 and 19 years of age. Parents often find it challenging to communicate with their teenagers. Many teenagers enjoy spending time on social media.
young adults	Refers to individuals in their late teens to early twenties. This term is used in contexts where a bit more maturity is implied, such as when talking about early career stages or higher education. Young adults are starting to think about their career paths and future goals. This book is popular among young adults.
youth	A broad term that can refer to children, adolescents, and young adults. Commonly used in formal and informal contexts to describe young people generally. Can have a slightly poetic or idealistic tone. The organization aims to support the youth in the community. Youth today face numerous challenges that previous generations did not.

Examples of usage

Adolescents often experience mood swings due to hormonal changes.
Parents play a crucial role in guiding adolescents through this challenging period of their lives.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

development

Adolescents are also referred to as 'adolescence' in the field of psychology. This period of development is crucial for shaping an individual's future behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs.

Synonyms

Young people, teens, youngsters.

Examples of usage

The study of adolescents' behavior is essential in understanding human development.
Adolescents may face peer pressure during this stage of their lives.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

During this stage, the brain undergoes significant changes that affect emotions and decision-making.
Adolescents often seek independence and may challenge rules as they form their personal identities.
Peer influence becomes particularly strong, impacting behaviors, choices, and interests.

Education

This age group is often when students transition from elementary to high school, affecting their learning styles.
Challenges such as bullying or social pressures can influence academic performance and mental health.
Educational systems are increasingly recognizing the need for social-emotional learning during this critical period.

Health

Hormonal changes during adolescence can lead to physical and emotional changes, including mood swings.
Establishing healthy habits during this time can positively affect long-term health and wellness.
Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, often emerge during these years, necessitating awareness and support.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have various rites of passage that mark the transition into adulthood for adolescents.
Media and technology play a significant role in shaping adolescent culture today, influencing music, fashion, and social norms.
Adolescents around the world face unique challenges based on their cultural context, including economic and educational opportunities.

History

The concept of adolescence as a distinct developmental stage has only been recognized since the late 19th century.
In previous eras, adolescents often entered the workforce at a younger age, reflecting different societal expectations.
The adolescent experience varies widely across different historical periods, often influenced by social norms and family structures.

Translations

Translations of the word "adolescents" in other languages:

🇵🇹 adolescentes

🇮🇳 किशोरों

🇩🇪 Jugendliche

🇮🇩 remaja

🇺🇦 підлітки

🇵🇱 młodzież

🇯🇵 青少年 (せいしょうねん)

🇫🇷 adolescents

🇪🇸 adolescentes

🇹🇷 ergenler

🇰🇷 청소년 (cheongsonyeon)

🇸🇦 المراهقين

🇨🇿 dospívající

🇸🇰 dospievajúci

🇨🇳 青少年 (qīngshàonián)

🇸🇮 mladostniki

🇮🇸 unglingar

🇰🇿 жасөспірімдер

🇬🇪 მოზარდები

🇦🇿 yeniyetmələr

🇲🇽 adolescentes

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,390 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7387 bloom
7388 pulses
7389 paste
7390 adolescents
7391 irrespective
7392 blew
7393 cholesterol
...