Adult — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Adult
Adult (adjective)
- fully developed and mature, grown-up
- of, relating to, intended for, or befitting adults
- dealing in or with explicitly sexual material
Adult (noun)
- one that is adult; especially, a human being after an age (such as 21) specified by law
Adult (verb)
- to behave like an adult, to attend to the ordinary tasks required of a responsible adult
- to become an adult
Word Forms of Adult
Inflections: adulted, adulting, adults
Derived words: adulthood (noun), adultly (adverb), adultness (noun), adultlike (adjective)
Origin & Etymology of Adult
borrowed from French & Latin; French adulte, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin adultus, from past participle of adolēscere, adulēscere "to become mature, grow up," from ad- ad- + alēscere "to be nourished, grow up," probably inchoative derivative of *alēre "to grow," stative derivative of alere "to nurse, feed, nourish" old:1
First known use: 1531
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Adult
- Topics: Family & People
Words & Phrases Containing Adult
Frequently Asked Questions about Adult
What does "Adult" mean?
"Adult" means fully developed and mature, grown-up. As an an adjective, a noun and a verb, it is defined as: fully developed and mature, grown-up. It has 6 distinct senses.
Is "Adult" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Adult" can be used as an adjective, a noun and a verb, depending on the context.
How do you pronounce "Adult"?
"Adult" is pronounced /ə-ˈdəlt/.
What is the origin of the word "Adult"?
"Adult" comes from borrowed from French & Latin; French adulte, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin adultus, from past participle of adolēscere, adulēscere "to become mature, grow up," from ad- ad- + alēscere "to be nourished, grow up," probably inchoative derivative of *alēre "to grow," stative derivative of alere "to nurse, feed, nourish" old:1. First known use: 1531.
What does "Adult" mean as an adjective?
As an adjective, "Adult" means: fully developed and mature, grown-up; of, relating to, intended for, or befitting adults; dealing in or with explicitly sexual material.
What does "Adult" mean as a noun?
As a noun, "Adult" means: one that is adult; especially, a human being after an age (such as 21) specified by law.
What does "Adult" mean as a verb?
As a verb, "Adult" means: to behave like an adult, to attend to the ordinary tasks required of a responsible adult; to become an adult.
What topics is "Adult" used in?
"Adult" is commonly used in topics such as Family & People.