adult
noun (countable)
UKəˈdʌltUSəˈdʌlt | ˈæd.ʌlt
a person who is fully grown or developed, typically recognized at the age of majority in a society
Example Sentences
He was officially recognized as an adult the day he turned eighteen.
Adults often juggle various responsibilities, including work and family obligations.
This club is restricted to adults only, as it contains content unsuitable for minors.
The adult population in the city has soared due to recent economic growth and job opportunities.
Handling finances and paying bills are typical adult tasks that require careful planning.
When you become an adult, you gain the freedom to make your own decisions but also shoulder the resulting consequences, both good and bad.
In many cultures, the transition from childhood to adulthood is marked by ceremonies that celebrate new rights and responsibilities.
Some individuals believe adulthood begins not just at a specific age but when someone shows self-reliance, resilience, and a mature outlook on life.
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Antonyms
adjective
UKəˈdʌltUSəˈdʌlt | ˈæd.ʌlt
relating to or intended for adults; suitable for or characteristic of a mature individual
Example Sentences
They showed an adult film late at night to ensure only viewers over eighteen could watch it.
The library separates its children’s literature section from the adult section, offering more complex themes and storytelling for mature readers.
At the water park, an adult ticket is priced higher than a child’s ticket.
Her remarks displayed a very adult perspective on the issue, emphasizing responsibility and empathy.
He was surprised by the adult humor in the cartoon, which was clearly intended for an older audience despite its animated style.
The museum’s new exhibit contains adult themes, so minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
She took an adult approach to conflict resolution, choosing to discuss the problem calmly rather than arguing.
Adult education classes often cater to people balancing work, family, and studies, providing flexible schedules and course structures that respect their existing commitments.
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How to Use
A fully developed individual, recognized as independent and responsible.Use this term when referring to individuals who have reached a mature stage in life, typically recognized both by societal norms and biological development. In formal contexts, it distinguishes legal maturity, connoting responsibilities such as voting rights, contractual obligations, and overall autonomy. In everyday conversation, it might emphasize maturity, self-reliance, or the life stage after adolescence. When writing in an academic or professional setting, use it to discuss age-related milestones, demographic data, and legal jurisdictions. In casual conversation, it can describe someone who is expected to act responsibly and make informed decisions. While the concept of adulthood may vary culturally, most agree it involves taking on personal duties, navigating social roles, and understanding broader societal expectations, reinforcing the notion of self-sufficiency and accountability.
Alternatives
When looking for alternatives to this term, you might consider words like “grown-up,” “mature individual,” or “of age.” Each alternative emphasizes a different aspect of reaching maturity. For example, “grown-up” is more casual, often heard in conversational settings, and might be used to differentiate children from those who have crossed the threshold of youth. “Mature individual” can be more formal or descriptive, perhaps employed in academic, clinical, or professional writings that address psychological or social development. “Of age” is sometimes used in a legal context, indicating that a person has attained the age where they can exercise specific rights or privileges. The nuances of these synonyms can be subtle, so choosing the best term depends on the tone and context of your writing or discussion. In general, all these words highlight a person who has completed a phase of growth and is expected to handle increased responsibilities.
Writing
When incorporating the idea of an individual who has reached a certain degree of maturity into your writing, precision and clarity are crucial. In a descriptive essay, focus on how this stage influences behavior, responsibilities, and societal roles, helping readers to understand the transition from dependence to independence. In academic or professional texts, “adult” may serve as a key term in demographic studies, psychological assessments, or social commentaries. By defining your usage early, you ground the term in its context, letting the audience grasp whether you mean legal status, psychological development, or social expectations. Include supporting examples, like how a person’s voting rights indicate legal adulthood or how they handle finances to illustrate independence. Stay consistent by applying the same definition throughout your piece, ensuring readers remain engaged and informed about the specific connotations you intend.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, calling someone an “adult” can imply they’re capable of handling life’s responsibilities. It often goes beyond just age, indicating someone who should be self-sufficient and accountable for their actions. Jokes like “adulting is hard” have become common, reflecting the challenges of managing bills, work, or general day-to-day responsibilities. When chatting with friends or family, you might use the term lightheartedly to tease someone who is struggling with tasks like doing laundry or filing taxes. Nonetheless, there’s an underlying expectation that an adult has reached a point of maturity where they can navigate the complexities of modern life. This casual usage blends humor with the idea of personal growth, underscoring that the road to full independence can be both rewarding and challenging.
Etymology
The term comes from the Latin “adultus,” meaning “grown up,” derived from “adolescere,” which means “to grow up.” Historically, it denoted individuals who had reached both physical maturity and held certain societal roles or responsibilities, such as the right to vote, marry, or own property. Over centuries, the concept has grown broader, aligning not only with legal definitions but also with psychological and cultural ideas about maturity. Today, it may encompass emotional readiness, self-sufficiency, and the ability to make responsible choices in diverse contexts. While age remains a defining factor, the progression into adulthood is also marked by rites of passage, social milestones, and cultural expectations. Throughout time, societies have debated and redefined what it means to be fully grown, reflecting shifting norms about independence, responsibility, and the moral obligations of a mature person.
