adolescent
Meaning: A young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult, typically between the ages of ten and nineteen. As an adjective, it describes anything characteristic of this transitional period.
In medical and psychological contexts, 'adolescent' denotes a specific developmental stage marked by puberty, cognitive maturation, and social identity formation. The term is more formal than 'teenager' and carries no pejorative connotation in clinical use, though in everyday language it can imply immaturity. It collocates with 'health,' 'behaviour,' 'development,' and 'mental health.'
Examples
- The clinic provides specialist mental health services for adolescents between the ages of twelve and eighteen. 该诊所为十二岁至十八岁的青少年提供专业心理健康服务。La clínica ofrece servicios especializados de salud mental para adolescentes de entre doce y dieciocho años.そのクリニックは12歳から18歳の青少年を対象とした専門的なメンタルヘルスサービスを提供している。그 클리닉은 12세에서 18세 사이의 청소년을 대상으로 전문 정신건강 서비스를 제공하고 있다.
- Adolescent brains undergo significant restructuring, particularly in regions governing impulse control and decision-making. 青少年的大脑经历重大重组,尤其是在控制冲动和决策的区域。El cerebro adolescente experimenta una reestructuración significativa, en particular en las regiones que gobiernan el control de impulsos y la toma de decisiones.思春期の脳は、特に衝動制御や意思決定を司る領域で大幅な再構築が行われる。청소년기의 뇌는 특히 충동 조절과 의사 결정을 관장하는 영역에서 상당한 재구조화를 거친다.
- The charity runs workshops designed to help adolescents navigate the pressures of social media. 该慈善机构举办旨在帮助青少年应对社交媒体压力的工作坊。La organización benéfica organiza talleres diseñados para ayudar a los adolescentes a gestionar las presiones de las redes sociales.その慈善団体は、青少年がソーシャルメディアのプレッシャーに対処できるよう支援するワークショップを実施している。그 자선단체는 청소년들이 소셜미디어의 압박에 대처할 수 있도록 돕는 워크숍을 운영하고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: medical, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin 'adolescens,' the present participle of 'adolescere' (to grow up), which derives from 'ad-' (towards) and 'alescere' (to be nourished or to grow). Entered English in the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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