Adult Meaning
Adult Definition & Usage
An adult is a person who has reached maturity or full growth, typically defined legally or biologically as someone over the age of 18 or 21, depending on jurisdiction.
Examples
- "Once he turned 18, he was officially recognized as an adult and could vote in the upcoming elections."
- "Adults are often expected to take on responsibilities like paying taxes and holding down a job."
- "The club is only open to adults, so you will need an ID to enter."
- "She was still a teenager, though some people treated her like an adult because of her maturity."
- "As an adult, he found it difficult to balance work, family, and personal time."
Describes something that is intended for, suitable for, or characteristic of adults, as opposed to children.
Examples
- "This movie is rated R because it contains adult themes like violence and strong language."
- "The adult section of the bookstore is located on the second floor."
- "She prefers adult fiction over young adult novels."
- "They only serve adult beverages in the lounge area."
- "The program is designed for adult learners who wish to complete their high school education."
To become or make someone become an adult, often referring to the process of reaching maturity or a responsible role.
Examples
- "The experience of living abroad helped him adult faster than he expected."
- "She had to adult quickly when she was forced to move out and live on her own."
- "Most children resist adulting because it comes with so many responsibilities."
- "After the tragedy, he had to adult and take care of his family."
- "I never realized how much I needed to adult until I started my first real job."
Cultural Context
The concept of adulthood has evolved significantly over the centuries. In many ancient cultures, adulthood was marked by rites of passage such as marriage or coming-of-age ceremonies. In modern society, adulthood is legally defined by reaching a certain age, though the cultural markers of adulthood (such as independence, marriage, or having children) can vary.
The Unexpected Adult
Story
The Unexpected Adult
When Julia moved to the city for her first job, she was excited but terrified. She had dreamed of this day since she was a child, imagining herself as a confident, independent adult. But reality hit hard on her first day at the office. She couldn’t find her way around the building, forgot to bring lunch, and had no idea how to handle the emails flooding her inbox. Sitting at her desk, she tried to concentrate, but the buzzing phone and the clattering keyboards of her colleagues overwhelmed her. A few moments of reflection brought her back to reality: she was an adult now. No one was going to hand her anything. She had to figure it all out herself. It was only noon, but Julia felt like she'd lived a lifetime in those few hours. “Hey, Julia,” her co-worker Anna called, “you good? You look like you could use a break.” Julia smiled weakly, “I think I’m just… adulting for the first time. It’s harder than I thought.” Anna laughed. “Welcome to adulthood. The trick is, you fake it till you make it.” That night, Julia sat alone in her apartment, exhausted but proud. She had navigated her first day of work, managed to pay her bills, and even cooked dinner—barely. Adulthood, she realized, wasn’t about having everything figured out; it was about taking responsibility and pushing forward, even when it seemed impossible. The next morning, she woke up early, made a cup of coffee, and smiled at her reflection. She was ready to face another day. She was an adult now—no turning back.
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