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Legal age Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legal age

[ˈliːɡəl eɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

for voting

The legal age for voting refers to the minimum age required by law to participate in elections.

Synonyms

voting age, voting eligibility age.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legal age

This term is commonly used to refer to the age at which a person is recognized by law as an adult, capable of managing their own affairs and eligible for certain rights and responsibilities, such as entering into contracts or consuming alcohol.

  • In most countries, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 or 21.
  • Once you reach the legal age, you can sign legal documents without parental consent.
voting age

This term specifically refers to the minimum age at which a person is allowed to participate in elections by casting a vote. It is used in discussions about electoral laws and the rights of citizens in democratic societies.

  • The voting age in many countries is 18.
  • Activists are advocating for lowering the voting age to 16.
voting eligibility age

Similar to 'voting age', this term also refers to the age at which a person can legally vote. It emphasizes the criteria needed to be eligible to vote, often used in formal or legal discussions.

  • The voting eligibility age is set by national laws and varies between countries.
  • To ensure fair elections, the voting eligibility age is strictly enforced.

Examples of usage

  • The legal age for voting in the United States is 18.
  • In many countries, the legal age for voting is 16 or 18.
Context #2 | Noun

for drinking alcohol

The legal age for drinking alcohol is the age at which a person is legally allowed to consume alcoholic beverages.

Synonyms

alcohol consumption age, drinking age.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legal age

Again, used to refer to the age at which a person gains legal rights and responsibilities, as it is a general term that can refer to various activities, including drinking, driving, and voting.

  • She has reached the legal age to drive a car
  • At the legal age, you are granted the right to vote
drinking age

Used in casual or informal conversations to denote the legal age at which a person is permitted to consume alcoholic beverages. This term is less formal and widely understood by the general population.

  • What is the drinking age in this country? He was excited to turn 21, the legal drinking age in the U
  • S
alcohol consumption age

Specifically used to refer to the minimum age required to legally consume or purchase alcoholic beverages. This term is more formal and is often used in legal or policy discussions.

  • The alcohol consumption age in some countries is 21
  • They are reviewing the national alcohol consumption age law

Examples of usage

  • The legal age for drinking alcohol in the UK is 18.
  • In the US, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 21.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • The concept of a legal age has been recognized since ancient times, with various cultures setting different age thresholds for responsibilities.
  • In many countries, the legal age for voting has evolved drastically, often lowered to enhance youth engagement in politics.

Cultural Variations

  • Different countries set varied legal ages; for example, the legal drinking age is 18 in many parts of Europe but 21 in the United States.
  • Cultural practices may influence the perception of legal age; for instance, some societies celebrate coming-of-age events to mark this transition.

Social Impact

  • Setting a legal age can impact societal behavior, as raising or lowering these ages can reflect cultural values or change societal norms.
  • Debates over legal age often highlight youth rights, leading to advocacy for more representation in legal discussions for younger individuals.

Psychology

  • Research shows that decision-making capabilities develop over time, influencing the age at which individuals are considered responsible enough for certain rights.
  • Studies suggest that the brain continues to mature into the mid-20s, leading to discussions about adjusting legal ages based on cognitive development.

Origin of 'legal age'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'legal' comes from Latin 'legalis,' meaning pertaining to the law.
  • The word 'age' derives from Latin 'aetatem,' meaning a period of life, showing how societies have long recognized age milestones.

The concept of legal age has evolved over time and varies across different countries and cultures. It is based on a combination of factors such as maturity, responsibility, and societal norms. The establishment of legal ages for voting, drinking alcohol, driving, and other activities aims to protect individuals and promote public safety. The age at which a person is considered legally responsible for their actions has been a topic of debate and legislation for centuries.