adolescence
UK: ˌædəˈlesəns | US: ˌædəˈlesəns
n. the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, marked by physical and psychological development.
adolescence = adolesc<grow up> + ence<noun suffix>
- adolesc: From Latin adolescere (to grow up), combining ad- (toward) + alescere (to grow, nourish).
- ence: A noun-forming suffix indicating a state or process (e.g., "existence," "persistence").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin adolescentia, derived from adolescere, which emphasizes the process of maturing. The prefix ad- (toward) + alescere (to grow) reflects the directional progression of youth into adulthood. Over time, the term evolved in Middle French as adolescence before entering English, retaining its focus on growth and transition.
Adolescence is often a challenging phase of emotional and physical changes.
Many psychological studies focus on brain development during adolescence.
She wrote a memoir about her struggles throughout adolescence.
Proper guidance is crucial for teenagers navigating adolescence.
The book explores how culture shapes the experience of adolescence.