adj
mature
muh-CHUUR
adj
1
Fully grown or developed, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally.
"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 video game was rated for mature audiences."
verb
1
To develop fully or grow into an adult state, whether physically or in outlook.
"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.
"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
Word Forms
more mature comparative, matured past tense, matures singular, most mature superlative
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Etymology
From Latin maturus, "ripe" or "timely" — the same root that gives us "premature," something happening before its proper time.