adolescent

Definition

Of, relating to, or at the age of adolescence; at the stage between being a child and an adult.

Etymology

First attested ?1440, from Middle English adolescent, from Middle French adolescent or directly from Latin adolescentem, accusative form of adolescens, present participle of adolēscere (“to become adult, grow up”), from ad- (“to”) + alēscere (“to grow or become nourished”). The adjective first appeared in 1785.

Example Sentences

• "Schools, unless discipline were doubly strong, / Detain their adolescent charge too long."
• "Again, voice change is not easy and vulnerability plays a big part, but if choral teachers and adolescent singers approach it with the right mindframe, the experience can be empowering, enlightening, and restorative for all involved."

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