Grownup Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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grownup
[ˈɡroʊnˌʌp ]
Definition
adult person
A grownup is an individual who is fully mature and no longer a child. This term is often used to emphasize the responsibility and behaviors expected of adults compared to younger individuals. Grownups are typically independent and engage in adult activities such as work, relationships, and parenting. The concept of a grownup also carries with it societal norms about behavior and decision-making. Being a grownup implies having reached a stage in life where one is expected to take on responsibilities and contribute to society.
Synonyms
adult, mature person, responsible person.
Examples of usage
- Grownups have to make tough decisions.
- She enjoys spending time with grownups at dinner parties.
- The movie was meant for both kids and grownups.
- Grownups are often burdened with responsibilities.
- It's time for the grownups to take charge.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Developmental Psychology
- Psychologists see 'grownup' stages involving emotional growth, decision-making skills, and personal responsibility.
- The transition to adulthood varies across cultures and is often marked by legal milestones, like voting age.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, a 'grownup' is typically associated with reaching the age of 18 or 21, marking the legal age of adulthood.
- Ceremonies, like graduations or bar/bat mitzvahs, celebrate the transition from childhood to being a grownup.
Literature & Media
- Many children's books contrast the adventures of children with the responsibilities of grownups, often highlighting the charm of childhood.
- Films like 'Big' explore themes of growing up by showing a child who magically becomes an adult, reflecting the desire and doubts of adulthood.
Social Roles
- Grownups often take on roles such as caregivers, leaders, and decision-makers in families and communities.
- The concept of 'grownup' includes various responsibilities, like work, finances, and taking care of others.
Origin of 'grownup'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'grownup' combines 'grown' (past participle of grow) with 'up,' signifying a mature stage.
- The word has been in use since the late 19th century and reflects societal views on maturity.
The term 'grownup' originated in the early 19th century as a colloquial term derived from the phrase 'grown up.' It signifies someone who has reached adulthood, a status signified by both biological development and social acceptance. The word combines 'grown,' the past participle of 'grow,' suggesting an increase in size or maturity, with 'up,' which conveys the idea of having reached a higher state or level. Historically, the transition into adulthood involved numerous rites and cultural acknowledgments, which vary across societies. In contemporary usage, the term has evolved to emphasize not only physical maturation but also psychological and emotional readiness to face life's responsibilities. 'Grownup' also encapsulates a sense of nostalgia, as it is often used by younger generations when discussing the complexities of adult life versus childhood innocence.