B2 noun Neutral

adolescence

/ˌæd.əˈles.əns/

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 5
1

Most 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.

2

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.

3

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.

Word Family

Noun
adolescence
Adjective
adolescent
Related
adolescent
💡

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

1

Most people remember their adolescence as a time of self-discovery and changing friendships.

everyday

Most individuals recall their teenage years as a period for finding themselves and making new friends.

2

The government has implemented new policies to support mental health during adolescence.

formal

The state has introduced rules to help with the emotional well-being of young people in their transition to adulthood.

3

Adolescence was such a rollercoaster; I’m glad those years are finally behind me!

informal

Being a teenager was very emotional and unstable; I am happy that time of my life is over.

4

Current research focuses on the neurological development that occurs during late adolescence.

academic

Scientific studies are currently looking at how the brain grows during the final years of being a teenager.

5

The brand is targeting consumers in their late adolescence to build early brand loyalty.

business

The company is trying to sell products to older teenagers so they will continue to like the brand in the future.

Word Family

Noun
adolescence
Adjective
adolescent
Related
adolescent

Common Collocations

early adolescence the beginning part of the teenage years
reach adolescence to arrive at the age of being a teenager
prolonged adolescence an extended period of acting or living like a teenager
transition into adolescence the process of moving from childhood to being a teenager
during adolescence throughout the period of being a teenager

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

adolescence vs puberty

Puberty refers specifically to physical and biological changes, whereas adolescence refers to the broader social and psychological period.

adolescence vs adolescent

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

It is an uncountable noun when referring to the general state or period of life. It can be modified by adjectives like 'early', 'mid', or 'late' to specify timing. It often follows prepositions like 'during' or 'throughout'.
🌍

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

Related Words

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exstaship

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circumsistency

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exheredive

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misciscy

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