adult
UK: ˈædʌlt | US: əˈdʌlt
Definition
n. A fully grown person or animal.
adj. Having reached full growth or maturity.
Structure
ad <to>ult <grow>
Etymology
adult = ad<to> + ult<grow>
- ad (Latin prefix meaning "to" or "toward")
- ult (from Latin ultus, past participle of alere meaning "to nourish" or "to grow")
Etymology Origin:
The word "adult" originates from the Latin adultus, the past participle of adolescere ("to grow up"). The prefix ad- ("to") combined with -ultus ("grown") reflects the idea of reaching full growth. Over time, it evolved in English to describe both the state of maturity and the mature individual.
Examples
She is now an adult and can make her own decisions.
Adult elephants are much larger than their young.
The film is suitable for adult audiences only.
He struggled with the transition from teenager to adult.
Adult education programs are becoming increasingly popular.