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noun Uncommon

adolescence

a-duh-LEH-suhns

Adolescence (noun) means the stage of life between childhood and adulthood, roughly spanning the teenage years. Example: “Adolescence brings rapid physical and emotional changes.”

noun
1
The stage of life between childhood and adulthood, roughly spanning the teenage years.
"Adolescence brings rapid physical and emotional changes."
"Many friendships formed in adolescence last a lifetime."

How to use adolescence

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe teenage years, when a child is turning into an adult.

Common pairings
during adolescence early adolescence the challenges of adolescence

Word forms

adolescences plural

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Fill the gap

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_____ brings rapid physical and emotional changes.

Etymology

From Latin adolescentia, from adolescens ("growing up") — the same root as adolescent and adult.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for adolescence

See all rhymes for adolescence →

Frequently asked questions

What does “adolescence” mean?

The word “adolescence” means the stage of life between childhood and adulthood, roughly spanning the teenage years. In plain terms, the teenage years, when a child is turning into an adult.

How do you pronounce “adolescence”?

“Adolescence” is pronounced a-duh-LEH-suhns (/ˌædəˈlɛsəns/ in IPA).

How do you use “adolescence” in a sentence?

Here is “adolescence” used in a sentence: “Adolescence brings rapid physical and emotional changes.”

What part of speech is “adolescence”?

“Adolescence” is a noun.

Where does the word “adolescence” come from?

The word “adolescence” comes from Latin. From Latin adolescentia, from adolescens ("growing up") — the same root as adolescent and adult.

Is “adolescence” a common word?

“Adolescence” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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