Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Mature Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒฟ
Add to dictionary

mature

[mษ™หˆtjสŠษ™ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

person

Fully developed physically; full-grown. Having reached the most advanced stage in a process.

Synonyms

adult, grown-up, ripe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mature

Used again to clarify a slight difference: This usage often describes behavior, especially indicating responsibility or thoughtfulness, and can also describe non-human subjects like cheese or wine that have reached the right age for consumption.

  • He handled the situation in a very mature way.
  • This cheese tastes best when it's mature.
  • Mature trees can better withstand strong winds.
adult

Refers to a person who is legally and biologically fully grown. Typically used in a formal context or when differentiating from children or adolescents.

  • Only adults are allowed to watch this movie.
  • He transitioned from a child to an adult over the years.
  • This book is intended for adult readers.
grown-up

Informal way of referring to an adult. Often used by children or in a casual setting.

  • Ask a grown-up if you need help.
  • I can't wait to be a grown-up.
  • Grown-ups have so much responsibility.
ripe

Commonly used to describe fruits or vegetables that are ready to be eaten. Can also metaphorically describe ideas or situations that are fully developed and ready for action.

  • The apples are ripe and ready to be picked.
  • The time is ripe for a major change in the company.
  • She waited until the moment was ripe to propose her idea.

Examples of usage

  • She is a mature woman now, confident and independent.
  • His writing style became more mature over the years.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Behaving in a sensible, adult manner. Showing mental, emotional, or physical development appropriate to one's age.

Synonyms

matured, responsible, sensible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mature

Used to describe a person who behaves in a way that is appropriate for their age, often showing good judgment. It can also refer to something that is fully developed or grown.

  • She is very mature for her age and handles difficult situations well.
  • The garden looks beautiful now that the trees are mature.
responsible

Describes a person who can be trusted to do what is right or to take care of important tasks. It implies reliability and accountability.

  • She is very responsible and always completes her work on time.
  • As the eldest sibling, he felt responsible for taking care of his younger brothers.
sensible

Typically used to refer to someone who makes good decisions and shows good judgment. It reflects practicality and reasoning.

  • It's sensible to save money for emergencies.
  • Wearing a coat in cold weather is very sensible.
matured

Often used to describe someone or something that has reached a state of full development, particularly over time. It can also refer to someone gaining life experience or becoming more responsible.

  • Over the years, he has matured into a confident and capable leader.
  • Their cheese has matured perfectly in the cellar.

Examples of usage

  • He is very mature for his age, handling difficult situations with composure.
  • It's important to have a mature attitude when dealing with challenges.
Context #3 | Verb

process

To become fully developed in physical, mental, or emotional ways. To reach a stage where something is ready for use or action.

Synonyms

develop, grow, ripen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mature

Used when referring to personal or emotional growth, reaching a state of full development, or when describing someone as sensible and responsible.

  • He has matured a lot over the past year.
  • She is very mature for her age.
  • The investment will mature in five years.
develop

Used when discussing the process of change and improvement over time, encompassing a wide range of activities, projects, and personal growth.

  • They plan to develop the downtown area.
  • She has developed new skills in her job.
  • The plot of the story develops slowly.
ripen

Used specifically when referring to fruits and other produce reaching a stage of optimal flavor and texture, also metaphorically can describe something reaching peak condition.

  • Leave the tomatoes to ripen on the windowsill.
  • His skills have ripened with experience.
  • The cheese needs time to ripen.
grow

Used when talking about physical growth, increase in size or quantity, or progression over time. It can also refer to personal development but in a broader sense.

  • Children grow very quickly.
  • The company continues to grow.
  • She has grown as a person since her travels.

Examples of usage

  • With time, the wine will mature and improve in flavor.
  • Her skills as a leader continued to mature with experience.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Psychological maturity involves emotional regulation, decision-making, and understanding othersโ€™ feelings, showing growth beyond age alone.
  • Research suggests that experiences during adolescence are crucial for developing maturity in adulthood, emphasizing the importance of environment.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, maturity is associated with age, but some traditions also emphasize the importance of wisdom and life experiences.
  • Rites of passage in various societies often mark the transition to adulthood, highlighting cultural views on when someone is considered mature.

Education

  • Educational theories often link maturity with readiness to learn; students need certain levels of maturity to tackle advanced topics effectively.
  • Social-emotional learning programs in schools aim to foster maturity by teaching skills like empathy and conflict resolution.

Art

  • Many classic works of literature explore themes of maturity, portraying charactersโ€™ growth through challenges, reflecting on life's journey.
  • Visual art often encapsulates maturity through the progression of techniques and styles, showcasing how artists evolve over time.

Origin of 'mature'

Main points about word origin

  • Originating from the Latin word 'maturus,' which means ripe or ready, showing how this word is linked to growth.
  • The term entered the English language during the 14th century, initially referring to ripeness in fruits and gradually expanding to human development.

The word 'mature' originated from the Latin word 'maturus', meaning ripe or timely. Over time, it evolved to refer to the state of being fully developed or grown. The concept of maturity has been associated with wisdom, responsibility, and readiness. The word is commonly used in various contexts to describe physical, mental, or emotional advancement.

See also: immature, immaturely, immaturity, maturation, matured, maturing, maturity, premature.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,955, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.