Maturity
/məˈtʊərɪti/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state or quality of being fully grown or developed; the state of being at the highest stage of development.
/məˈtʊərɪti/
The state of being fully developed in physical or mental capacity.
The maturity of the business plan was crucial to attracting investors.
💡 Simply: Maturity is like when you're all grown up and know how to handle things. For example, when you're mature, you don't get upset easily, and you can make good choices.
👶 For kids: Being all grown up, like when a seed grows into a big plant or when a person gets older and knows a lot more.
More Examples
Reaching emotional maturity often takes time and experience.
The wine's flavor develops with maturity in the bottle.
How It's Used
"Psychologists study the development of emotional maturity in children."
"The company reached a point of financial maturity after several years of growth."
"The fruit's maturity is indicated by its color and firmness."
The date on which a financial instrument, such as a bond or loan, becomes due for payment.
/məˈtʊərɪti/
The state of being fully developed in physical or mental capacity.
The loan's maturity date was extended.
💡 Simply: In money terms, maturity is the date when something you've lent or invested comes due, like when a bond is paid back.
👶 For kids: The time when something is finished or needs to be paid back. For example, a loan.
More Examples
The bond's maturity will be in 10 years.
Investors closely track bond maturity dates.
How It's Used
"The bond's maturity date is scheduled for next year."
Idioms & expressions
age of maturity
The age at which a person is considered legally an adult.
"In many countries, 18 is considered the age of maturity."
bring to maturity
To cause to reach a state of full development.
"The program aimed to bring young entrepreneurs to maturity."
From Latin *matūritās* 'ripeness, maturity', from *matūrus* 'ripe, mature'.
The word 'maturity' has been used since the 15th century, initially referring to the ripeness of fruit. Its application to human development and financial instruments came later.
Memory tip
Think of a mature apple: fully ripe and ready to eat. Maturity is like that—fully developed and ready.