adolescent
UK: ˌædəˈlesnt | US: ˌædəˈlesnt
n. a young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult
adj. relating to or characteristic of adolescence
adolescent = ad<to, toward> + olesc<grow> + ent<adjective suffix>
- ad (Latin prefix meaning "to" or "toward")
- olesc (from Latin olescere, meaning "to grow," related to alere, "to nourish")
- ent (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives or nouns indicating a state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "adolescent" traces back to Latin adolescentem (nominative adolescens), meaning "growing up" or "maturing." It combines ad- (indicating direction) with olescere (to grow), reflecting the transitional phase of human development. The term entered English via Old French in the 15th century, retaining its core sense of growth toward adulthood.
She works as a counselor for adolescents struggling with self-esteem.
Adolescent behavior often involves testing boundaries.
The study focuses on adolescent brain development.
His adolescent years were marked by curiosity and rebellion.
Parents play a crucial role in guiding their adolescent children.