Definition and Pronunciation
Adolescence (pronounced: /ˌædəˈlɛsəns/ or /ˌædəˈlɛsnt͡s/) is the transitional stage of life between childhood and adulthood, usually covering the teenage years (roughly ages 10–19, though sometimes extended into the early 20s). It is marked by rapid physical growth, puberty, emotional development, identity exploration, and increased independence.
Easy Explanation
“Adolescence” means the teenage years when a child grows into an adult. For example, “Adolescence is when young people go through big changes in their bodies and minds.”
Grammatical Formation
- Noun: adolescence
- Adjective: adolescent (relating to teenagers; can also be a noun = a teenager)
Word Comparisons
- Adolescence vs. puberty: puberty = physical changes (body, hormones); adolescence = wider stage including emotional and social changes.
- Adolescence vs. teenage years: teenage years = ages 13–19; adolescence can start earlier (10–12).
- Adolescence vs. youth: youth = broader term for young age; adolescence = specific developmental stage.
Connotations
- Neutral in academic/medical use.
- Positive: growth, discovery, new experiences.
- Negative: instability, rebellion, confusion.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Adolescence in: adolescence in modern society is full of challenges.
- Adolescence of: the adolescence of girls differs from boys in timing.
- Adolescence during: adolescence during the 21st century is shaped by social media.
Real-Life Examples
- Adolescence is a critical period for emotional and social development.
- During adolescence, many people experience identity struggles.
- Adolescence brings both opportunities and risks for health.
- Parental support is important in adolescence.
Synonyms
teenage years, youth, puberty stage, young adulthood, formative years
Antonyms
childhood, adulthood, maturity, infancy
Related Terms
- Puberty – hormonal and physical development.
- Identity formation – psychological process common in adolescence.
- Adolescent psychology – study of mental health in teens.
- Coming of age – cultural expression of adolescence.
Common Collocations
- early adolescence
- late adolescence
- adolescence period
- adolescence development
- adolescence challenges
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Storm and stress of adolescence: phrase describing teenage struggles.
- Adolescence of a movement/idea: metaphor for early growth stage.
Sample Sentences
- Adolescence is often a time of emotional ups and downs.
- She entered adolescence earlier than her peers.
- Adolescence is a stage where friendships become very important.
- The psychologist studied risk-taking behavior in adolescence.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, indirectly. Adolescence is when most people go through puberty and sexual development, beginning to explore attraction, intimacy, and sometimes sexual behavior. It is a critical stage for sex education and identity formation.
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