premature

pronunciation

How to pronounce premature in British English: UK [ˈpremətʃə(r)]word uk audio image

How to pronounce premature in American English: US [ˌpriːməˈtʃʊr , ˌpriːməˈtʊr] word us audio image

  • Adjective:
    born after a gestation period of less than the normal time
    too soon or too hasty
    uncommonly early or before the expected time

Word Origin

premature (adj.)
mid-15c., from Latin praematurus "early ripe" (as fruit), "too early, untimely," from prae "before" (see pre-) + maturus "ripe, timely" (see mature (v.)). Related: Prematurely; prematurity; prematuration. Premature ejaculation is attested from 1848; Latin euphemism ejaculatio praecox dates to 1891 in English but was used earlier in German and appears to have been, at first at least, the psychologist's term for it.

Synonym

Antonym

adj.

late matured

Example

1. The statement on the economy was also premature .
2. Their premature entry could fatally weaken the euro .
3. Light therapy is already used to treat seasonal affective disorder and premature infants .
4. Calls for a new round of stimulus look premature .
5. This hope may be premature .

more: >How to Use "premature" with Example Sentences