adolescence
Adolescence is the transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood. It is a time characterized by significant biological changes and the search for a personal identity.
Examples
3 of 5Most people remember their adolescence as a time of self-discovery and changing friendships.
Most individuals recall their teenage years as a period for finding themselves and making new friends.
The government has implemented new policies to support mental health during adolescence.
The state has introduced rules to help with the emotional well-being of young people in their transition to adulthood.
Adolescence was such a rollercoaster; I’m glad those years are finally behind me!
Being a teenager was very emotional and unstable; I am happy that time of my life is over.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Add-a-lesson': During adolescence, you 'add a lesson' every day as you learn how to grow from a child into an adult.
Quick Quiz
Many psychological changes occur during the transition from childhood to ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: adolescence
Examples
Most people remember their adolescence as a time of self-discovery and changing friendships.
everydayMost individuals recall their teenage years as a period for finding themselves and making new friends.
The government has implemented new policies to support mental health during adolescence.
formalThe state has introduced rules to help with the emotional well-being of young people in their transition to adulthood.
Adolescence was such a rollercoaster; I’m glad those years are finally behind me!
informalBeing a teenager was very emotional and unstable; I am happy that time of my life is over.
Current research focuses on the neurological development that occurs during late adolescence.
academicScientific studies are currently looking at how the brain grows during the final years of being a teenager.
The brand is targeting consumers in their late adolescence to build early brand loyalty.
businessThe company is trying to sell products to older teenagers so they will continue to like the brand in the future.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
troubled adolescence
a difficult time during the teenage years
the throes of adolescence
being in the middle of the most intense part of being a teenager
a stage of adolescence
a specific part of the developmental process of a young person
Often Confused With
Puberty refers specifically to physical and biological changes, whereas adolescence refers to the broader social and psychological period.
Adolescence is the name of the period of time, while an adolescent is the person who is going through that period.
Usage Notes
Adolescence is a neutral to formal noun used to describe the developmental stage. While 'teenage years' is more common in casual conversation, 'adolescence' is the standard term in psychology, medicine, and education.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the word 'adolescent' (the person) when they mean 'adolescence' (the time period). Ensure you use the '-ence' ending for the abstract concept.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Add-a-lesson': During adolescence, you 'add a lesson' every day as you learn how to grow from a child into an adult.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'adolescere', which means 'to grow up' or 'to ripen'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many modern cultures, adolescence is viewed as a distinct phase of identity formation and rebellion, often celebrated or marked by 'coming-of-age' rituals.
Quick Quiz
Many psychological changes occur during the transition from childhood to ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: adolescence
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