adolescent
ad-uh-LESS-unt
/ˌædəˈlɛsənt/
A young person who is developing from a child into an adult; the transitional stage of growth.
While 'teenager' is a social label, 'adolescent' is a psychological and biological term focusing on the process of transition.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'adolescere', meaning 'to grow up' or 'to come to maturity'. It shares a root with 'adult', which is the past participle—meaning an adult is someone who has already 'grown up'.
Word relationships
- youth: 'Youth' is a broader, more positive term for the state of being young.
- teenager: 'Teenager' specifically refers to the ages 13-19, whereas adolescence can start earlier.
- adult: An adult has completed the developmental transition of adolescence.
Commonly confused with
- juvenile: 'Juvenile' often has a legal or negative connotation (immaturity), while 'adolescent' is developmental.
Word family
- adolescence (noun): The period of life between childhood and adulthood.
Collocations
- adolescent angst
- adolescent development
- adolescent rebellion
Example sentences
- "The adolescent brain is particularly sensitive to social rewards and peer influence." Psychological development
- "The adolescent is a person who is no longer a child, but not yet an adult." Literature
Memory hook
Think of 'Add-a-lesson'. Adolescents are constantly adding lessons to their lives as they transition to adulthood. The 'scent' of growth.
When not to use
Avoid using it for very young children or fully independent adults, even if they act immaturely.
Fun facts
- The concept of 'adolescence' as a distinct life stage didn't exist in the West until the early 20th century.
Explore more words
adolescence, transition, precocious, maturation, transitory, socialization
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