< Back

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

adolescence

Definition

Adolescence is the time between childhood and adulthood. It is a time when people go through many changes, both physically and emotionally.

Physically, adolescents grow taller and their bodies change shape. They also start to develop secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts in girls and facial hair in boys.

Emotionally, adolescents become more independent and start to explore their identity. They may also experience mood swings and other emotional changes.

Adolescence is a time of great change, but it is also a time of great opportunity. Adolescents learn about themselves and the world around them, and they start to develop the skills they need to become adults.

How can the word be used?

The adolescent years are a time of great change and transition.

adolescence

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • adolescence (no plural form).
  • the period of physical and psychological development that occurs between childhood and adulthood.
  • adolescents (plural).
  • people who are in the period of adolescence.

Adjective:

  • adolescent.
  • relating to or characteristic of adolescence.

Verb:

  • adolescentise.
  • to cause someone to behave like an adolescent.

Etymology

The word adolescent comes from the Latin word adolescens, which means "growing up." It is a noun that refers to the period of physical and psychological development that occurs between childhood and adulthood. This period is typically marked by a number of changes, including physical growth, the development of secondary sex characteristics, and changes in cognitive and emotional development.

Question

What changes occur in your body when you are an adolescent?