Reading Theme:
Maturity: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：mental and emotional development (maturity)
maturity
/məˈtʃʊrəti/
n.
The state of being emotionally and mentally stable, sensible, and able to make good decisions.
mental and emotional development
➕
/ˈmɛntəl ənd ɪˈmoʊʃənəl dɪˈvɛləpmənt/
n.
This refers to the quality of being fully developed in one's emotional and mental faculties. It implies stability, good judgment, and the ability to handle situations calmly and sensibly.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Latin 'maturitas' (ripeness, timeliness), which comes from 'maturus' (ripe, timely). The root 'matur-' conveys the sense of something being fully developed or ready.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a MATURE TREE. A tree reaches full MATURITY when it is strong, stable, and bears fruit—just like a person becomes sensible and fully developed.
📖 Example
Her maturity was evident when she calmly resolved the conflict among her teammates instead of getting angry.
Her mental and emotional development was evident when she calmly resolved the conflict among her teammates instead of getting angry.
🔗 Collocations
emotional maturity – the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and empathize with others
maturity level – the degree to which someone demonstrates sensible and adult behavior
show maturity – to demonstrate sensible and responsible behavior
🔄 Synonyms
adulthood (n.) – the state of being fully grown or developed, often used legally and biologically
responsibility (n.) – the state of having a duty to deal with something or of being accountable
wisdom (n.) – the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment
🚫 Antonyms
immaturity (n.) – the state of not being fully developed, often behaving in a childish or irresponsible way
🌱 Derivatives
mature (adj./v.) – fully developed physically or mentally; to become fully developed
maturation (n.) – the process of becoming mature
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'maturity' entered English from French 'maturité', which itself came from Latin 'maturitas'. In modern culture, it holds a significant place in psychology and personal development discussions. It is a key concept in frameworks like emotional intelligence (EQ), where 'emotional maturity' describes the ability to manage one's emotions and understand others'. In finance, 'maturity date' is a critical, non-negotiable term in contracts for bonds, loans, and certificates of deposit.
Meaning 2：full development or due date (maturity)
maturity
/məˈtʃʊrəti/
n.
The state when something (like fruit or a plan) is fully developed and ready, or when a financial product reaches its due date.
full development or due date
➕
/fʊl dɪˈvɛləpmənt ɔr du deɪt/
n.
This refers to the state when something has reached its fullest or most complete stage of growth or development. It is also the designated date when a financial obligation, like a loan or bond, becomes payable.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The cheese needs another month to reach its full maturity and develop the best flavor.
The cheese needs another month to reach its full state of development and develop the best flavor.
🔗 Collocations
reach maturity – to become fully grown or developed
maturity date – the date on which a financial instrument, like a bond, becomes due for payment
full maturity – the complete and final stage of development
🔄 Synonyms
ripeness (n.) – the state of being fully grown and ready to eat, typically for fruits
readiness (n.) – the state of being fully prepared or fit for use
completion (n.) – the state of being finished or whole
🚫 Antonyms
immaturity (n.) – the state of not being fully developed or grown
unripeness (n.) – the state of not being ready to eat or use
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