Adolescence
ad-uh-LES-ens
/ˌædəˈlɛsns/
The period following the onset of puberty during which a young person develops from a child into an adult.
Encompasses a broad transitional phase, typically from ages 10-19, characterized by significant physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes.
The story behind the word. The word 'adolescence' comes from the Latin verb 'adolescere,' which means 'to grow up' or 'to grow into maturity.' It's a beautiful way to describe this transformative period where young individuals are literally 'growing into' their adult selves. The root 'alescere' itself means 'to grow,' emphasizing the dynamic and evolving nature of this life stage.
Word relationships
- teen years: More informal, refers to the age range 13-19.
- youth: Broader, can refer to any period of being young, not specifically the transition to adulthood.
- childhood: The period before adolescence.
- adulthood: The state of being fully grown and mature.
Commonly confused with
- puberty: Puberty is the physical process of sexual maturation, marking the beginning of adolescence. Adolescence is the broader psychosocial and developmental period that includes puberty and extends beyond it.
Word family
- adolescent (noun/adjective): A young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult; relating to this period.
Collocations
- early adolescence
- late adolescence
- adolescence development
- during adolescence
Example sentences
- "Adolescence is a critical period for identity formation and social development." Adolescence is a critical period for identity formation and social development.
- "Many mental health challenges first emerge during adolescence, requiring careful attention and support." Many mental health challenges first emerge during adolescence, requiring careful attention and support.
- "The transition from childhood to adolescence can be a turbulent time for both teenagers and their parents." The transition from childhood to adolescence can be a turbulent time for both teenagers and their parents.
Memory hook
Think 'ADULT-LESS-SENSE' – a time when you're almost an adult but sometimes make less sense! Growing into adulthood
When not to use
Do not use 'adolescence' to refer to young children or fully mature adults. It specifically denotes the transitional period.
Fun facts
- The concept of 'adolescence' as a distinct life stage is relatively modern, emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Brain development continues significantly throughout adolescence, with the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and impulse control) maturing last.
Related words
Explore more words
adolescent, puberty, juvenile, transition, mature, upbringing
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