Adult: meaning, definitions and examples

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adult

 

[ əˈdʌlt ]

Noun / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

legal

A person who is fully grown or developed. In terms of legal age, an individual who has reached the age of majority and is considered legally responsible for their actions.

Synonyms

grown-up, man or woman, mature person

Examples of usage

  • Only adults are allowed to purchase alcohol in this country.
  • As an adult, you are expected to make your own decisions and take responsibility for them.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

A person characterized by maturity and the ability to deal with the challenges of life in a responsible and constructive way.

Synonyms

mature individual, responsible person

Examples of usage

  • She showed great maturity and wisdom beyond her years, truly embodying the qualities of an adult.
Context #3 | Adjective

informal

Referring to activities or things that are suitable for fully developed individuals.

Synonyms

grown-up, mature, suitable for adults

Examples of usage

  • The movie contains adult content and is not suitable for children.
  • This game is for adult players only.

Translations

Translations of the word "adult" in other languages:

🇵🇹 adulto

🇮🇳 वयस्क (vayasak)

🇩🇪 Erwachsener

🇮🇩 dewasa

🇺🇦 дорослий

🇵🇱 dorosły

🇯🇵 大人 (otona)

🇫🇷 adulte

🇪🇸 adulto

🇹🇷 yetişkin

🇰🇷 성인 (seongin)

🇸🇦 بالغ (baligh)

🇨🇿 dospělý

🇸🇰 dospelý

🇨🇳 成人 (chéngrén)

🇸🇮 odrasel

🇮🇸 fullorðinn

🇰🇿 ересек

🇬🇪 ზრდასრული (zrdasruli)

🇦🇿 böyük

🇲🇽 adulto

Etymology

The word 'adult' originated from the Latin word 'adultus', which means 'grown up' or 'mature'. The concept of adulthood has been recognized in various cultures throughout history, often associated with reaching a certain age where an individual is considered fully developed and responsible. In modern society, adulthood is typically defined by legal age limits and the ability to make independent decisions.

See also: adulthood.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,909, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.