Juvenile: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'juvenilis', which means 'youthful'.
• It has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe young animals and people.
• Originally, it referred specifically to young men before later broadening to include young women and children.

Law and Society

• In legal terms, 'juvenile' often refers to individuals under a certain age who are not considered adults, typically under 18.
• Juvenile justice systems exist to address crimes committed by young individuals, focusing more on rehabilitation than punishment.
• Some places have age limits, defining juvenile offenders to help protect them as they transition to adulthood.

Psychology

• Developmental psychology studies how young people grow and learn, emphasizing the importance of formative years.
• Juvenile behaviors can indicate normal stages of development, but also highlight challenges such as peer pressure.
• According to research, childhood experiences significantly shape personality and behavior in adulthood.

Pop Culture

• Many youth-oriented movies and books feature juvenile protagonists, exploring themes of growth and discovery.
• Juvenile delinquency is a common theme in literature and film, highlighting societal issues affecting young people.
• Comics and animated shows often portray juvenile characters as adventurous and learning about their identity.

Biology

• In biology, 'juvenile' can describe a stage in the life cycle of an organism, such as fish or insects, before they reach maturity.
• Some species exhibit unique juvenile characteristics, like different colors or behaviors compared to adults.
• Understanding the juvenile stages of animals helps scientists in conservation and breeding programs.

At #5,057 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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