adult
pronunciation
How to pronounce adult in British English:
UK [ˈædʌlt]
How to pronounce adult in American English:
US [əˈdʌlt]
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- Noun:
- a fully developed person from maturity onward
- any mature animal
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- Adjective:
- (of animals) fully developed
Word Origin
- adult (adj.)
- 1530s (but not common until mid-17c.), from Latin adultus "grown up, mature, adult, ripe," past participle of adolescere "grow up, mature" (see adolescent). As a euphemism for "pornographic," it dates to 1958 and does no honor to the word.
- adult (n.)
- "adult person," 1650s, from adult (adj.).
Antonym
Example
- 1. Turn to a trusted adult for support .
- 2. There is an equally dynamic market for adult education .
- 3. Will I find my groove into adult life ?
- 4. Adrift in an adult world , the two develop a mutual trust and acceptance through their unlikely friendship .
- 5. Kids need adult supervision in the kitchen !