Question

What is the Latin origin of the word 'adolescence' and what does it mean?

पर्याय

• From Latin 'adultus', meaning to become an adult

• From Latin 'adolere', meaning to change quickly

• From Latin 'adolescere', meaning to grow into maturity

• From Latin 'adoleta', meaning teenage years

Answer 1

The word 'adolescence' originates from the Latin word 'adolescere', which literally means 'to grow into maturity'. This etymology reflects the core purpose of the adolescent period as a developmental phase preparing individuals for adulthood. Understanding this origin helps clarify that adolescence is fundamentally about growth and maturation across physical, emotional, and social dimensions.