lexis4u: Adolescence

Thematic Vocabulary Unit Nº 265 v.0.1

Main Definitions

adolescence |n| the time, usually between the ages of 12 and 18, when a young person is developing into an adult.
"Some young people suddenly become self-conscious and tongue-tied in early adolescence."
adolescent |n| a young person who is developing into an adult (used especially when talking about the problems these people have)
"He charged from a cheerful child to a confused adolescent."
awkward age |n| |US| the period of adolescence marked by self-consciousness and moody behaviour.

minor |n| |law| someone who is not yet legally an adult.
"Is illegal to sell alcohol to a minor."
teenager |n| someone who is between 13 and 19 years old.
"A TV sex education series aimed at teenagers"
"In your teens.”
underage |adj| younger than the lowest age at which a particular activity is legally or usually allowed.
"There are a laws against underage sex and underage drinking."
youth |n| (especially disapproving) a teenage boy. Usually one who is violent and commits crimes.
"He was attacked by a gang of youths."
young men / callow |n| young men in particular are often described as callow, which means immature in terms of experience (a callow youth who had never lived away from his family)