Adulthood
/ˈædəlˌhʊd/
nounBeginnerCommonLegal
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
The period of life after childhood, typically considered to begin at the legal age of majority (18 in many countries).
/ˈædəlˌhʊd/
nounneutralBeginner
Legal
The state or period of being an adult.
She embraced the responsibilities of adulthood.
💡 Simply: Being grown up.
More Examples
2
Adulthood brought many challenges but also rewards.
How It's Used
Developmental Psychology
"The transition to adulthood is a complex process."
Legal
"Upon reaching adulthood, individuals gain certain legal rights."
From Middle English *a-dulthede*, from Old French *adulteté*, from Latin *adultus* meaning 'grown up'.
The concept of adulthood has evolved over time, with legal and social definitions varying across cultures and historical periods.
Memory tip
Think 'adult' + 'hood' (like childhood).
Practice
Base: adult
adulthoodsadulthoood
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written