adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

mature

muh-CHUUR

Mature (adj) means Fully grown or developed, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. Example: “A mature oak tree can live for hundreds of years.”

adj

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."

Containing content, such as violence or sexual themes, considered suitable only for adults.

"The video game was rated for mature audiences."

verb

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."

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 notes

In 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

maturity →

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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Can you complete this real example?

A _____ oak tree can live for hundreds of years.

Etymology

From Latin maturus, "ripe" or "timely" — the same root that gives us "premature," something happening before its proper time.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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adult developed ripe seasoned full-grown sophisticated grown grown up maturate

Antonyms

childish immature superficial

Related words

young green developed deep stupid complex grow adult

Rhymes for mature

pure cure sure azure nature future manure secure impure injure figure allure

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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