juvenile
JOO-vuh-nyle
/ˈdʒuːvənaɪl/
Relating to young people; or, showing a lack of emotional maturity.
In legal contexts, it is neutral (e.g., 'juvenile court'); in social contexts, it is often insulting, implying childishness.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'juvenis', meaning 'young man'. It is the source of the name 'Junius' (June), the month dedicated to the young.
Word relationships
- childish: 'Childish' is always negative; 'juvenile' can be a neutral legal descriptor.
- immature: 'Immature' focuses on the lack of development; 'juvenile' focuses on the age group.
- mature: A mature person shows the wisdom and restraint expected of an adult.
Commonly confused with
- youthful: 'Youthful' is positive (energy, vigor), while 'juvenile' is often negative (immaturity).
Word family
- juvenilia (noun): Works produced by an artist or author during their youth.
Collocations
- juvenile delinquency
- juvenile behavior
- juvenile detention
Example sentences
- "The case was transferred to juvenile court because the defendant was only fifteen." Legal system
- "His juvenile sense of humor was out of place at the formal gala." Social criticism
Memory hook
Juvenile... Juvie... Junior. All relate to being young or smaller in status. Juvie is for the young.
When not to use
Don't use it to describe a mature young person; use 'youthful' instead.
Fun facts
- The word 'juvenilia' refers specifically to the early, often unpolished works of famous writers like Jane Austen.
Related words
Explore more words
naive, petulant, adolescence, sentimental, precocious, foolish
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