adolescent

Everyday

1. An adolescent is a young person who is growing from a child into an adult, usually aged about 12 to 18; a teenager. tree →
2. Adolescent means to do with this time of life. tree →
3. (disapproving) Adolescent can describe behaviour that is silly or immature, like a teenager showing off. tree →

In the lessons

In health and PSHE lessons it comes with puberty and growing up; doctors and books for parents use it. It tells the reader someone is no longer a little child but not yet an adult. Phrases: «adolescent years», «adolescent health», «adolescent behaviour».

Examples

• An adolescent's body changes a lot during puberty. tree →
• My big sister is an adolescent now, and she wants more privacy. tree →
• The library has a section for adolescent readers. tree →
• Adolescents need plenty of sleep. tree →
• The book is about the adolescent years of a famous scientist. tree →
• Throwing food was a bit adolescent, Dad said. tree →

Note

Use «an»: an adolescent. Noun for the time of life: «adolescence». More formal than «teenager», «teen», «young person». Not a rude word in its main sense.