Adolescence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌa-də-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s/ ad·o·les·cence

Meaning & Definition of Adolescence

Adolescence (noun)

  1. the period of life when a child develops into an adult, the period from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority
  2. the state or process of growing up
  3. a stage of development (as of a language or culture) prior to maturity

Adolescence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the transitional period between childhood and adulthood

    "adolescence can be a turbulent time for teenagers and parents alike"

    similar: minority, nonage
    related: boyhood, girlhood, preadolescence, youth, bloom, flush, heyday, prime, majority, maturity, manhood, womanhood, babyhood, infancy

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Adolescence

The most common words with a similar meaning to Adolescence:

minority, nonage

Related Words for Adolescence

boyhood, girlhood, preadolescence, youth, bloom, flush, heyday, prime, majority, maturity, manhood, womanhood, babyhood, infancy

Origin & Etymology of Adolescence

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin adolēscentia, adulēscentia, noun derivative of adolēscent-, adolēscens adolescent:2

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Adolescence

What does "Adolescence" mean?

"Adolescence" means the period of life when a child develops into an adult, the period from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority. As a noun, it is defined as: the period of life when a child develops into an adult, the period from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority.

What is another word for "Adolescence"?

Other words for "Adolescence" include minority and nonage. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Adolescence" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Adolescence"?

There are 16 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Adolescence". Common alternatives include minority and nonage.

How do you use "Adolescence" in a sentence?

Examples of "Adolescence" in a sentence: "adolescence can be a turbulent time for teenagers and parents alike".

Is "Adolescence" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Adolescence" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Adolescence"?

"Adolescence" is pronounced /ˌa-də-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s/ and divided into syllables as ad·o·les·cence.

What is the origin of the word "Adolescence"?

"Adolescence" comes from Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin adolēscentia, adulēscentia, noun derivative of adolēscent-, adolēscens adolescent:2. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Adolescence" meaning "the transitional period between childhood and adulthood"?

When "Adolescence" (noun) means the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, synonyms include minority and nonage.