Meaning & Definition of word "Adolescent"

Adolescent

/ˌædəˈlɛsənt/

noun:

  • 1. A young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult.
    • Example: The school organized various programs to support adolescents in their transition to adulthood.
  • 2. A person in the stage of development between childhood and adulthood, typically between the ages of 13 and 19.
    • Example: Adolescents often face unique challenges that can affect their mental health.

adjective:

  • 1. Relating to or denoting an adolescent or adolescents.
    • Example: The adolescent years are critical for emotional and social development.
  • 2. Immature or juvenile in behavior or attitudes.
    • Example: His adolescent antics often embarrassed his parents.

Etymology

From Latin 'adolescentem', meaning 'growing up'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

adolescent development:

The physical and psychological changes that occur during the teenage years.

adolescent brain:

Refers to the developing brain of a teenager, which is often linked to risk-taking behavior.

Related Words

puberty:

The stage during which adolescents reach sexual maturity.

teenage:

Relating to the period of being a teenager.

Slang Meanings of adolescent

Meaning: Teen

Example Sentence: That new teen movie is about high school life.

Meaning: Juvenile

Example Sentence: The juvenile crowd at the concert was really energetic.