Nonage: meaning, definitions and examples

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nonage

 

[ˈnɒn-eɪdʒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal status

Nonage refers to the period during which a person is not yet an adult, typically before reaching the age of majority. This term is often used in legal contexts to describe individuals who are not legally able to enter into contracts or make binding decisions on their own. In many jurisdictions, nonage corresponds to being under the age of 18, though this can vary. During nonage, minors are subject to various restrictions and protections under the law, as they are considered to lack the full capacity to make decisions regarding their welfare and interests.

Synonyms

immaturity, minor status, minority.

Examples of usage

  • Children remain in a state of nonage until they turn eighteen.
  • Legal contracts signed during nonage can often be voided.
  • Guardianship laws are designed to protect individuals in nonage.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • This word comes from the Latin 'nonagenarius,' which means 'of no age' or 'not yet of legal age.'
  • In many European countries, nonage is linked to the age of majority, which is typically 18 or 21, depending on the local laws.

Legal Context

  • Nonage denotes a state where individuals cannot enter into a binding legal contract due to their age.
  • During nonage, minors generally do not have the same rights to sue or be sued as adults do.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, reaching adulthood is marked by ceremonies, signifying the transition out of nonage.
  • The transition from nonage to adulthood often involves gaining new rights, like voting or drinking alcohol.

Literature & Philosophy

  • Many classic novels explore themes of growing up and escaping nonage, illustrating the struggles between youth and adulthood.
  • Philosophers have debated the essence of nonage, introspecting whether age alone determines maturity or if experience plays a crucial role.

Psychology

  • Developmental psychology studies the impact of nonage on cognitive and emotional growth, focusing on how young individuals navigate their identities.
  • Nonage is linked to certain psychological theories where the developing brain is still forming social skills and decision-making processes.

Translations

Translations of the word "nonage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 menoridade

🇮🇳 अल्पकालिकता

🇩🇪 Minderjährigkeit

🇮🇩 masa remaja

🇺🇦 недосягнення повноліття

🇵🇱 młodość

🇯🇵 未成年

🇫🇷 minorité

🇪🇸 menor

🇹🇷 reşit olmama

🇰🇷 미성년

🇸🇦 القصور

🇨🇿 nezletilost

🇸🇰 neplnoletosť

🇨🇳 未成年人

🇸🇮 mladoletnost

🇮🇸 ólögráða

🇰🇿 кәмелетке толмаушылық

🇬🇪 მოზარდობა

🇦🇿 yetkinlik yaşına çatmamaq

🇲🇽 menor

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,383, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.