Adulthood: meaning, definitions and examples
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adulthood
[əˈdʌlthʊd ]
Definitions
stage of life
Adulthood is the period of life after adolescence, typically beginning around the late teens to early twenties and lasting until old age. It is characterized by physical and psychological maturity, independence, and the assumption of adult responsibilities.
Synonyms
grown-up, maturity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adulthood |
This term refers to the period of life after reaching the legal age of majority, where an individual is considered a full-grown adult. It is used in a more general and formal sense.
|
| maturity |
This word emphasizes the quality or state of being fully developed in the emotional, intellectual, or physical sense. It is often used to highlight responsibility, wisdom, and the ability to handle complex situations.
|
| grown-up |
This informal term is often used in conversations, especially when speaking to or about children. It emphasizes the idea of being older and more responsible but not necessarily in a formal manner.
|
Examples of usage
- Entering adulthood can be both exciting and daunting.
- She made the transition from adolescence to adulthood with ease.
legal status
Adulthood is also a legal status that grants individuals the rights and responsibilities reserved for adults, such as voting, signing contracts, and serving on juries.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adulthood |
Refers to the stage of life when a person is fully grown and typically implies maturity and responsibility.
|
| majority |
Formal term often used in legal or official documents to indicate the age at which a person gains full legal rights and responsibilities.
|
| legal age |
Used to describe the age at which a person is legally considered an adult and can engage in activities like voting or drinking, based on jurisdiction-specific laws.
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Examples of usage
- Upon reaching adulthood, she was able to vote for the first time.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'adulthood' comes from the Old English word 'æld', meaning age, which relates to being grown up.
- It combines 'adult', originating from Latin 'adultus', meaning 'grown up' or 'mature', with the suffix '-hood', indicating a state or condition.
Psychology
- Adulthood often involves developing a sense of identity and making independent decisions influenced by personal experiences.
- There are different stages of adulthood: early, middle, and late, each with distinct psychological and social challenges.
- The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be marked by newfound responsibilities such as work and family.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, reaching adulthood is celebrated with rites of passage, marking the transition from childhood to maturity.
- Different societies have varying legal definitions of adulthood, often linked to age milestones like 18 or 21 years old.
Literature
- Adulthood is a common theme in literature, exploring the challenges and responsibilities that come with being an adult.
- Classic novels often depict the journey to adulthood, highlighting the struggle for identity and purpose faced by young adults.
Science
- Biologically, adulthood is marked by the completion of physical growth and hormonal changes, usually in the late teens to early twenties.
- Research indicates that brain development continues into the mid-twenties, evolving abilities related to decision-making and emotional regulation.
Translations
Translations of the word "adulthood" in other languages:
🇵🇹 idade adulta
🇮🇳 वयस्कता
🇩🇪 Erwachsenenalter
🇮🇩 kedewasaan
🇺🇦 дорослість
🇵🇱 dorosłość
🇯🇵 成人期
🇫🇷 âge adulte
🇪🇸 edad adulta
🇹🇷 yetişkinlik
🇰🇷 성인기
🇸🇦 مرحلة البلوغ
🇨🇿 dospělost
🇸🇰 dospelosť
🇨🇳 成年期
🇸🇮 odraslost
🇮🇸 fullorðinsár
🇰🇿 ересектік кезеңі
🇬🇪 სრულწლოვანება
🇦🇿 böyüklük
🇲🇽 edad adulta