mature
muh-CHUUR
Mature (adj) means Fully grown or developed, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. Example: “The mature lioness taught her young cubs how to hunt.”
adj
1
Fully grown or developed, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally.
"The mature lioness taught her young cubs how to hunt."
"A mature oak tree can live for hundreds of years."
"He handled the bad news in a surprisingly mature way for his age."
2
Containing content, such as violence or sexual themes, considered suitable only for adults.
"The film has a mature rating because of its dark themes and strong language."
"Parents should check whether a game contains mature content before letting children play it."
"The video game was rated for mature audiences."
verb
1
To develop fully or grow into an adult state, whether physically or in outlook.
"Children mature at different speeds, so some seem older than their classmates."
"Wine matures in oak barrels for several years before bottling."
"She matured a lot after she moved out on her own."
2
Of a financial obligation such as a bond or loan, to reach the date on which payment becomes due.
"Her savings certificate matures next spring, and she plans to reinvest the money."
"When the loan matures, the borrower must pay back everything that is owed."
"The bond matures in ten years, at which point the full amount is repaid."
How to use mature
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFully grown or developed — used for people's emotional growth, ageing food or drink, or money that has reached its payout date.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
mature student
mature cheese
emotionally mature
the loan matures
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- matures
- Past tense
- matured
- Comparative
- more mature
- Superlative
- most mature
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ lioness taught her young cubs how to hunt.
Etymology
From Latin maturus, "ripe" or "timely" — the same root that gives us "premature," something happening before its proper time.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for mature
See all rhymes for mature →Frequently asked questions
What does “mature” mean?
The word “mature” means fully grown or developed, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. In plain terms, fully grown or developed — used for people's emotional growth, ageing food or drink, or money that has reached its payout date.
How do you pronounce “mature”?
“Mature” is pronounced muh-CHUUR (/məˈt͡ʃʊ(ə)ɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “mature” in a sentence?
Here is “mature” used in a sentence: “A mature oak tree can live for hundreds of years.”
What is another word for “mature”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mature” include grown, grown up and maturate.
What is the opposite of “mature”?
The opposite of “mature” — its antonyms — are childish, immature and superficial.
What part of speech is “mature”?
Depending on how it is used, “mature” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “mature” come from?
The word “mature” comes from Latin. From Latin maturus, "ripe" or "timely" — the same root that gives us "premature," something happening before its proper time.
Is “mature” a common word?
“Mature” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "mature" and "ripe"?
Both can mean fully developed, but "ripe" is used mainly of fruit and crops ready to be eaten or harvested, while "mature" applies more broadly to people, animals, wine, and situations. You would say a mature adult but a ripe peach.
When should you use "mature" instead of "adult"?
"Mature" often describes emotional or mental development, as in "a mature attitude," and usually sounds like a compliment. "Adult" simply means relating to grown-ups or, like "mature," flags content meant only for adults; context decides which fits.
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