Definition

Noun: The age established by law at which a person gains full adult rights and responsibilities, such as the right to vote, sign contracts, marry without parental consent, or purchase certain restricted goods. It signifies the point where an individual is considered legally competent to manage their own affairs.

Usage

The term "legal age" is used to specify the chronological milestone defined by statute. It is often discussed in legal, social, and parental contexts. - You must be of legal age to enter into this agreement. - The legal age for purchasing tobacco is 21 in this state. - Upon reaching the legal age, she inherited the property directly.

Advanced Usage

• "to come of legal age" or "to attain the legal age": This phrasing emphasizes the process of reaching this milestone.
  • The trust fund will be released to him when he comes of legal age.
• "under legal age": A common phrase describing someone who has not yet reached this threshold.
  • It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under legal age.

Variants and Related Words

• Age of majority (noun phrase): A nearly synonymous legal term for the age at which one ceases to be a minor. (e.g., )
• Minor (noun): A person who is under the legal age of majority.
• Emancipation (noun): The legal process through which a minor may be granted the rights of an adult before reaching the standard legal age.

Synonyms

• Majority
• Age of majority
• Adulthood (in a legal sense)

Antonyms

• Minority
• Infancy (in a legal sense)

Noun

1. the age at which persons are considered competent to manage their own affairs