grown-up

UK: ˌɡrəʊn ˈʌp | US: ˌɡroʊn ˈʌp

Definition

  1. n. an adult; a mature person

  2. adj. having reached adulthood; mature

Structure
grown <past participle of "grow">up <upward direction>
Etymology

The word "grown-up" is a compound formed by combining the past participle "grown" (from Old English grōwan, meaning "to grow") and the adverb/preposition "up" (from Old English up, meaning "upward"). The term emerged in the 17th century to describe someone who has "grown up" to adulthood, emphasizing the completion of physical and mental maturation. The logic is straightforward: growth ("grown") + direction ("up") = reaching full maturity.

Examples

  1. She finally felt like a grown-up when she moved into her own apartment.

  2. The movie appeals to both children and grown-ups.

  3. He tried to sound grown-up during the interview.

  4. As a grown-up, she realized how hard her parents worked.

  5. The book offers grown-up perspectives on childhood memories.