As a noun, it means a fully grown person or animal. As an adjective, it describes things meant for or relating to grown people, not children.
From Latin *adultus* meaning “grown up, mature,” the past participle of *adolescere* “to grow up.” It originally described a completed process of growth.
An ‘adult’ is literally someone whose growing is considered finished. Ironically, many adults still feel like they’re figuring things out, showing that physical growth and emotional growth don’t end at the same time.
Legal and social definitions of adulthood have been applied unevenly by gender, with girls in many societies treated as adults earlier in terms of responsibilities (e.g., marriage, caregiving) but later in terms of rights and autonomy. Language around "adult" content and behavior has also been gendered, often policing women more harshly.
Use "adult" consistently across genders when referring to rights, responsibilities, and consent. Avoid implying that certain behaviors make women "less adult" while excusing similar behaviors in men.
["grown-up","person over 18","mature person"]
Women’s movements have been central in establishing adult legal rights for women—such as property ownership, voting, and contractual capacity—on equal terms with men.
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