Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state of being fully grown or developed: This refers to the condition of having reached an advanced or complete stage of growth, either physically, mentally, or emotionally.
   • The quality of behaving in a sensible, adult manner: This describes the characteristic of showing good judgment, emotional stability, and responsibility typical of a fully developed adult.
   • The time when a financial obligation must be repaid: In finance, this is the specific date on which a loan, bond, or other financial instrument becomes due for payment of the principal amount.

Usage Examples

• Referring to full development:
  • The tree will reach its full maturity in about ten years.
  • Her emotional maturity was impressive for someone so young.
• Referring to sensible behavior:
  • He handled the difficult situation with great maturity.
  • The committee praised the maturity of her decision.
• Referring to a financial due date:
  • The bond has a maturity of 30 years.
  • The loan's maturity date is next September.

Advanced Usage

• "To come to maturity": to reach a state of full development or readiness.
  • The cheese is left to age until it comes to maturity.
• "Early/late maturity": reaching full development sooner or later than is typical.
  • This variety of peach is known for its early maturity.
• "At maturity": upon reaching the due date or the state of being fully developed.
  • The investment pays a lump sum at maturity.

Variants and Related Words

• Mature (verb/adjective): To become fully developed; or, being fully developed.
  • The plan needs time to mature. (verb)
  • She is very mature for her age. (adjective)
• Maturation (noun): The process of becoming mature.
  • The maturation of the wine takes several years.
• Maturational (adjective): Relating to the process of maturation.
  • There are clear maturational stages in child development.

Synonyms

• Adulthood: The state or condition of being fully grown.
• Ripeness: The state of being fully developed and ready, often used for fruits or ideas.
• Due date: The date on which a payment is required (financial context).

Antonyms

• Immaturity: The state of not being fully developed or grown.
• Childishness: Behavior that is typical of a child and not appropriate for an adult.

Related Phrases

• "Show maturity": to demonstrate sensible, adult behavior.
  • He needs to show more maturity in his arguments.
• "Reach maturity": to achieve a state of full growth or development.
  • The investment reaches maturity after a decade.

Noun

1. the date on which an obligation must be repaid
2. state of being mature; full development
3. the period of time in your life after your physical growth has stopped and you are fully developed