mature

/mə'tjuə/

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The word "mature" can be both an adjective and a verb, and it has a few different meanings depending on the context.

As an Adjective:

1. Definition: When we say something is "mature," we mean that it has fully developed or grown. This can refer to physical growth, like plants or animals, or to emotional and intellectual growth in people.

2. Usage:

   • It is often used to describe things that are ready to be used or consumed, like fruits or wine.
   • Example: "The peaches are mature and ready to eat."

3. Advanced Usage:

   • "A mature decision" means a decision that is well thought out and considered, showing wisdom or experience.
   • Example: "She made a mature decision to focus on her studies instead of going to the party."

4. Variants: The word can also be found in forms like "maturation" (the process of becoming mature) and "maturity" (the state of being mature).

5. Different Meanings:

   • In biology, a "mature cell" is one that has reached its full development.
   • In finance, when a bond "matures," it means it has reached the end of its term and is due for repayment.

As a Verb:

1. Definition: To "mature" means to grow or develop fully, either physically or mentally. It can also mean to ripen, as in fruit becoming ready to eat.

2. Usage:

   • Example: "The sun helps the fruit to mature."
   • Example: "He matured quickly after facing challenges in life."

3. Advanced Usage:

   • "Mature your thoughts" means to think through your ideas thoroughly before sharing them.
   • Example: "Please take your time to mature your thoughts before the meeting."

Synonyms:

• Adjective: developed, grown, ripe, advanced, seasoned.
• Verb: ripen, develop, grow, age.

Idioms & Phrasal Verbs:

• "Mature for one's age": This phrase means that someone shows qualities or behavior that are typical of older people.

  • Example: "She is very mature for her age; she handles responsibilities well."

• Phrasal Verb: "Mature into" means to grow into a certain state or role over time.

  • Example: "He matured into a great leader over the years."

Summary:

In summary, "mature" describes something that has reached full development, whether it's fruit, wine, or a person's character. It can also refer to the process of growing or ripening.

Academic

Adjective

1. (of birds) having developed feathers or plumage; often used in combination
2. fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
   • ripe peaches
   • full-bodied mature wines
3. having reached full natural growth or development
   • a mature cell
4. fully considered and perfected
   • mature plans
5. characteristic of maturity
   • mature for her age

Verb

1. cause to ripen and discharge pus
   • The oil suppurates the pustules
2. grow old or older
   • She aged gracefully
   • we age every day--what a depressing thought!
   • Young men senesce
3. cause to ripen or develop fully
   • The sun ripens the fruit
   • Age matures a good wine
4. become due for repayment
   • These bonds mature in 2005
5. develop and work out fully in one's mind
   • I need to mature my thoughts
6. develop and reach maturity; undergo maturation
   • He matured fast
   • The child grew fast

Synonyms

• fledged
• ripe
• matured
• suppurate
• senesce
• age
• get on
• maturate
• ripen
• grow