adult etymology

Etymology:

The word "adult" originates from the Latin word "adultus," which means "grown up" or "mature." It is derived from the verb "adolescere," which means "to grow up."

Meaning:

An adult is an individual who has reached a certain level of maturity and independence. Typically, this refers to someone who has reached the age of legal majority in their country, which varies but is usually around 18-21 years old.

Origin:

The concept of adulthood has been recognized and defined in various cultures throughout history. In ancient Greece, for example, adulthood was marked by the transition from childhood to ephebeia, a period of military training and civic education lasting from age 18 to 20.

In the Roman Empire, adulthood began at age 14 for boys and 12 for girls. A toga virilis, or "manly gown," was bestowed upon boys at this time, symbolizing their entry into adulthood and citizenship.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, adulthood was generally considered to begin at age 21, a tradition that is still followed in many countries today.

In modern Western society, adulthood is often associated with milestones such as finishing school, starting a career, getting married, and having children. However, the definition and expectations of adulthood can vary across cultures and over time.

adult relate terms

  • adulthood

    Etymology Proto Indo European h₂yuH₂ meaning to grow Proto Germanic adula

  • adult

    Etymology The word adult originates from the Latin word adultus which means grown

  • aggression

    Etymology of Aggression The term aggression derives from the Latin word aggressio w

  • accursed

    Etymology The word accursed comes from the Late Latin word accursus which means to ru

  • afford

    Etymology and Origin Origin Middle English c 1300 provide for Etymology From Old

  • adjourn

    Etymology The word adjourn is derived from the Latin word adiornare meaning to post

  • advance

    Etymology The word advance comes from the Old French word avancer which originally m

  • address

    Etymology The word address derives from the Old French word adrecier which in turn

  • advertisement

    Etymology French avertissement Late Latin advertentia attention warning Meaning

  • juvenile

    Etymology The word juvenile is derived from the Latin word iuvenis which means youn

  • chrysalis

    Etymology From Late Latin chrysal l is from Greek χρυσαλλίς chrysallis dim

  • weevil

    Etymology Middle English wivele 14th century from Old English wifel 9th century T

  • atavism

  • Juno

    Etymology of Juno The name Juno has Indo European roots and is believed to be derived f

  • host

    Etymology The word host comes from the Old English word hōst which in turn is deri

  • case

    Etymology The word case derives from the Old French word cas which in turn comes fro

  • centrist

    Etymology Centrist is derived from the Latin word centrum meaning center Mean