grown-up
Definition
Noun:
- An adult: "grown-up" refers to a person who is fully developed and mature, typically an adult.
- Example: The children asked the grown-ups for permission to go outside.
Adjective:
- Mature or adult-like: Describing someone or something that is characteristic of an adult, especially in behavior or appearance.
- Example: She wore a grown-up dress to the party.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The grown-ups sat at one table, while the children sat at another. (Adults separated from children.)
- It's time for the grown-ups to make the decisions. (Adults are responsible for choices.)
Adjective:
- He tried to act grown-up in front of his younger cousins. (He attempted to behave maturely.)
- The movie is too grown-up for small children. (The content is unsuitable for young kids due to mature themes.)
Advanced Usage
"to be a grown-up about something": to handle a situation in a mature, responsible manner.
- Even though she was upset, she was a grown-up about the disagreement. (She dealt with it calmly and maturely.)
"grown-up talk": conversation that is considered unsuitable for children, often about serious or adult topics.
- The parents went into the other room for some grown-up talk. (They discussed matters not meant for children.)
Variants and Related Words
Grow up (verb phrase): to become an adult or mature.
- He needs to grow up and take responsibility. (He must become more mature.)
Grown (adj): having reached maturity; fully developed.
- A grown man should know better. (A fully developed adult.)
Synonyms
- Adult: a person who is fully grown or developed.
- Mature: fully developed physically and mentally; responsible.
Related Idioms
Act your age: behave in a way that is appropriate for your age, especially if you are an adult.
- Stop acting like a child and act your age! (Behave maturely.)
Grow up: to become an adult or to stop behaving childishly.
- It's time to grow up and face reality. (Become mature.)