mature
muh-CHOOR
/məˈtʃʊər/
Fully developed physically, mentally, or emotionally; (of financial instruments) reaching full value or readiness.
Implies wisdom, balance, and physical or psychological completion rather than just calendar age.
The story behind the word. From the Latin adjective 'maturus', originally describing crops harvested at the exact right moment. In Middle English, the term shifted from agriculture to describe humans who showed sound judgment, balanced emotions, and wisdom as they grew.
Word relationships
- ripe: 'Ripe' applies primarily to fruit, agriculture, or immediate readiness, whereas 'mature' applies to emotional and systemic stability.
- developed: 'Developed' focuses on structural growth, while 'mature' emphasizes psychological or biological completion.
- immature: Lacking emotional wisdom or physical development.
- green: Inexperienced or unripened.
Commonly confused with
- elderly: 'Elderly' refers specifically to advanced physical age; 'mature' refers to emotional balance, mental growth, or full development.
Word family
- maturity (noun): The state of being fully developed.
- maturation (noun): The process of becoming mature.
Collocations
- mature response
- mature judgment
- mature market
- bonds mature
Idioms & expressions
- early days yet / mature judgment
Example sentences
- "Her mature handling of the complex crisis earned her respect from both colleagues and rivals." Psychology / Personal Growth
- "The government bonds will mature in ten years, yielding a fixed interest return." Finance
Memory hook
MATURE fruit is ripe and ready; MATURE people are calm and steady. Fully grown in wisdom and stability.
When not to use
Avoid using 'mature' as a polite euphemism for 'old' if you mean frail or ancient; it refers to emotional or structural completeness.
Fun facts
- In cheese-making and winemaking, 'maturing' is the process where aging develops flavor complexity.
Explore more words
maturation, polished, precocious, deliberate, cultured, worldly
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