How Do You Spell BECOME ADULT?

Pronunciation: [bɪkˌʌm ˈadʌlt] (IPA)

"Become adult" is correctly spelled with the /əd/ ending, as opposed to "become an adult" with the /æn/ ending. The IPA phonetic transcription for "adult" is /ˈædʌlt/, which includes the "uh" sound before the "lt" ending. When the verb "become" is used with "adult," the /əd/ ending is used to form the past participle, which indicates a completed action in the past. Incorrectly spelling the phrase as "become an adult" with the /æn/ ending changes the meaning to an ongoing process.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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BECOME ADULT Meaning and Definition

  1. "Become adult" refers to the process through which an individual transitions from childhood to adulthood, signifying the attainment of maturity and legal rights in the society they belong to. It involves reaching a stage of physical, mental, and emotional development that is characteristic of an adult. This process is influenced by various factors including biological, cultural, and legal aspects.

    Biologically, becoming an adult typically happens during puberty, a period marked by the onset of sexual maturation and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. These physical changes, such as growth spurts, the acquisition of reproductive capabilities, and hormonal shifts, signify the transition into adulthood.

    Culturally, becoming adult can be associated with various rites of passage, traditions, or social expectations that vary from one community to another. These cultural practices serve as a symbolic acknowledgment of an individual's transition into adulthood and their subsequent roles and responsibilities within their community.

    Legally, becoming adult generally refers to reaching the age of majority, which determines an individual's eligibility to vote, drive, enter into legal contracts, or engage in other legal activities independently. The age of majority varies across different countries, ranging typically from 18 to 21 years old.

    Overall, becoming an adult encompasses a multifaceted process involving physical, psychological, and legal aspects, ultimately culminating in an individual's assumption of mature and responsible roles in society.

Etymology of BECOME ADULT

The phrase "become adult" is not derived from a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words.

1. "Become": This word originates from the Old English word "becuman", which means "come to be, happen, befit". It is a combination of "be-" (indicating to be or exist) and "cuman" (to come).

2. "Adult": This word has Latin roots and comes from the term "adultus", which means "grown up" or "mature". It is derived from the verb "adolescere", meaning "to grow up".

When these two words are used together, "become adult" signifies the process of developing into a mature or grown-up individual.