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Juveniles Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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juveniles

[ˈdʒuːvənaɪlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

law

Young individuals who are below the age of majority, typically under 18 years old. Juveniles are often subject to different legal procedures and penalties compared to adults.

Synonyms

adolescents, minors, youngsters.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
juveniles

Used in legal, formal, or scientific contexts to refer to young people under the age of 18. Often emphasizes a legal or behavioral aspect.

  • The court has a special division for juveniles.
  • Juvenile delinquency is a growing concern in urban areas.
minors

Mainly used in legal contexts to refer to individuals who are not legally adults; often highlights the lack of legal rights or responsibilities.

  • Minors are not allowed to purchase alcohol or tobacco products.
  • The protection of minors is a priority for the government.
youngsters

Informal and friendly term to generally refer to young children or teenagers. Often used in casual conversation or to convey affection.

  • The youngsters were playing at the park all afternoon.
  • It's important to encourage youngsters to engage in outdoor activities.
adolescents

Used in contexts related to physical, emotional, and psychological development; refers to young people undergoing puberty and transitioning from childhood to adulthood.

  • Adolescents require guidance as they navigate complex social situations.
  • The school holds special workshops on mental health for adolescents.

Examples of usage

  • Juveniles who commit crimes may be sent to juvenile detention centers.
  • The court system has special programs designed to rehabilitate juveniles rather than punish them.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

Animals that have not yet reached maturity, often referring to young animals.

Synonyms

immature, offspring, young.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
juveniles

This word is appropriate when referring to young people, particularly teenagers, in an official or legal context.

  • The law has specific provisions for juveniles arrested for minor offenses.
  • Juveniles are often more influenced by their peer groups than adults.
young

This word can be used in a variety of informal contexts to refer to young people or animals.

  • The young birds had just learned to fly.
  • She is very talented for someone so young.
immature

Use this word to describe someone or something that behaves in a childish or not fully developed way. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • His immature behavior at the meeting was very unprofessional.
  • The plant is still immature and won't bear fruit for another season.
offspring

This term is used to talk about the children of animals or humans, often in a more biological or scientific context.

  • The deer protected her offspring from the predators.
  • The scientist studied the offspring of the genetically modified plants.

Examples of usage

  • The zoo has a section dedicated to juveniles of various species.
  • The researcher studied the behavior of juveniles in the wild.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • During adolescence, many changes happen in the brain, affecting decision-making and social behavior.
  • Research shows that juvenile humans often exhibit more risk-taking behavior compared to adults due to ongoing brain development.
  • Social influences play a significant role in the behavior of juveniles, as peer relationships become increasingly important.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, juveniles are typically defined as individuals under the age of 18 who have not yet reached adulthood.
  • Juvenile law focuses on the treatment of young offenders, distinguishing between rehabilitation and punishment.
  • Most countries have specialized juvenile courts to address crimes committed by young individuals.

Wildlife

  • In animal behavior studies, juvenile animals often exhibit different survival strategies compared to adults, as they learn from their environment.
  • Many species, such as wolves and dolphins, rely on cooperative strategies taught by adults to ensure that juveniles thrive.
  • Juvenile stages in animals can vary significantly in length and complexity, depending on the species.

Education

  • Juveniles' learning styles often differ from adults; they tend to learn best through active engagement and play.
  • Education systems often focus on developing social skills, critical thinking, and creativity at juvenile ages.
  • The transition from juvenile to adult education can create significant challenges, as students adapt to different expectations and responsibilities.

Origin of 'juveniles'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'juvenilis', meaning youthful or young.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe young people or animals.
  • Its root is 'juvenis', which relates to youth and is also the source of words like 'juvenile delinquent'.

The word 'juveniles' originated from the Latin word 'juvenilis', meaning young. It has been used in English since the 17th century to refer to young individuals or animals. The concept of treating juveniles differently in the legal system has evolved over time, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

See also: juvenility.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,140, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.