Definition

Verb phrase: - To reach the age at which one is legally considered an adult and gains full rights and responsibilities. - To reach maturity or a stage of full development, capability, or recognition.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe the act of becoming an adult, either in a legal, social, or metaphorical sense. It often implies a formal or significant transition.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to have come of age": This perfect form is often used to describe something that has already reached maturity or prominence.
  • Virtual reality gaming has truly come of age in the last five years.

Variants and Related Words

• Coming-of-age (adjective/noun): Used to describe a story, film, or experience that focuses on the transition from youth to adulthood.
  • The novel is a classic coming-of-age story set in the 1960s.

Synonyms

• Mature: To become fully developed.
• Reach adulthood: To arrive at the state of being an adult.

Related Idioms

• "Reach the age of majority": A more formal, legal synonym for coming of age.
  • Upon reaching the age of majority, he inherited the estate.

Verb

1. reach a certain age that marks a transition to maturity