Preadult: meaning, definitions and examples
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preadult
[ priːˈædʌlt ]
development stage
Preadult refers to the stage of development preceding adulthood. It encompasses the period in which an individual is transitioning from childhood to adulthood, characterized by various physical, emotional, and social changes. This stage plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's identity and future behavior.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- During the preadult phase, teenagers often explore their identities.
- Understanding preadult development helps in addressing adolescent issues.
- Preadult years can be influenced by peer relationships significantly.
Etymology
The term 'preadult' is a compound word formed from 'pre-', a prefix meaning 'before', and 'adult', which comes from the Latin word 'adultus', meaning 'grown up' or 'mature'. The prefix 'pre-' indicates a stage that occurs prior to reaching adulthood. The concept of development stages, including preadulthood, has its roots in developmental psychology, which studies the growth patterns of individuals from infancy through old age. This classification emphasizes the unique challenges and transformations experienced during the transition from childhood to adulthood, a formative period that is increasingly recognized as significant in shaping future outcomes in behavior and personality.