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English Dictionary - With Multi-Lingual Search
| March 25, 2009 |
|
| Word of the Week--"Adolescence" |
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Definition--Adolescence- n. the stage between childhood and adulthood, often accompanied by many mental and physical changes. Usually
occurs between the ages of 14 to 25 for men and 12 to 21 for women.
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| Discussion--The word adolescence has developed a negative
connotation through the years. Many parents develop a headache at the mention of the term! This transitional
time in the life of a young adult is associated with youthful rebellion and experimentation, two things
that can drive a parent crazy. Accompanied with this natural process are many physical and emotional
changes for the young adult, and this can lead to emotional confusion for the individual.
In my adolescence I was quite a challenging person to deal with. My parents sure did
have their hands full! I was ornery, difficult, and easily irritated- all of which led
me to be quite irritating to others!
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| Etymology--Adolescence- borrowed from Middle French
adolescence, from Latin adolescentia, which is the present participle of adolescere (grow up;
ad- to + -olescere grow up).
Note the similarities in the foreign translations. The only language that does not show striking similarities is German. |
Foreign Translations |
| Dutch: | adolescentie (de) |
| French: | adolescence |
| German: | jugend |
| Italian: | adolescenza |
| Spanish: | adolescencia |
