What is adult? Pronunciation and usage in English

adult means . Learn how to pronounce and use adult through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of adult

adultnoun

/ˈadʌlt//əˈdʌlt/
Definition & pronunciation of adult

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "adult" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few tips:

The Standard Pronunciation:

  • ah-DOOLT

Let's break that down:

  • ah: This is a short, open "a" sound, like in "father" or "car." It’s not a long "a" like in "cake."
  • DOOL: This is where people often stumble. It sounds like "doole."
    • oo: Say the "oo" as in "moon" or "blue."
    • l: Make sure you clearly pronounce the "l" – it’s not silent.
    • t: A soft, quick "t" sound at the end.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable – "ah." You want to emphasize that syllable.
  • Don’t link the syllables: Don't say "a-doolt" like one long word. Separate the syllables.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce adult" on Google and you'll find audio pronunciations.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/adult/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce adult" on YouTube - many videos offer clear examples.

Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "ad-ULT": This is a very common mistake! The "d" is silent.
  • Making the "oo" sound too short: Give it the full “oo” sound as in "moon."

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word adult in English

Let's break down how to use the word "adult" in English. It's a pretty common word, but it has nuances!

1. Basic Definition:

  • Adult: A person who is fully grown and considered to be responsible for their own actions. Generally, this means someone who is 18 or older (in many countries, including the US and UK).

2. Common Ways to Use "Adult":

  • Describing a Person's Status: This is the most frequent use.

    • "He's an adult now, so he needs to pay his own bills."
    • "She's an adult daughter who lives on her own."
    • "Becoming an adult is a big step."

  • Referring to Adult Activities/Responsibilities:

    • "Adult beverages" (alcoholic drinks)
    • "Adult education classes" (courses for older learners)
    • "Adult supervision" (watching over children)
    • "Adult responsibilities" (things like paying taxes, managing finances, etc.)

  • Contrast with "Child": It's often used in contrast to "child" to emphasize a difference in maturity, autonomy, or capabilities.

    • "She treated him like a child, but he’s an adult now."
    • "Children need adult guidance."

3. Grammatical Usage:

  • Adjective: It's most commonly used as an adjective to describe people: "an adult learner," "an adult problem."
  • Noun: It can also be used as a noun, referring to the state of being an adult: "He's in his adult years." (Less common, but grammatically correct).

4. Synonyms (Words with Similar Meanings):

  • Mature: Often implies a more developed sense of responsibility and judgment.
  • Older: Simply refers to someone who is older in age.
  • Fully grown: A more literal description of physical development.
  • Person: Sometimes "adult" can be omitted if the context is clear.

5. Important Considerations & Nuances:

  • Age of Majority: The specific age considered "adult" varies by country. In the US, it’s 18, but in some European countries, it's 16 or 18. Always be aware of the context.
  • "Becoming an Adult": This phrase often refers to the transition period of turning 18 or reaching a point where someone takes on greater independence and responsibility. It’s a concept of development, not just a number.

Examples in Sentences – Putting it all together:

  • "After graduating college, he felt like a proper adult, ready to start his career."
  • "The daycare provides adult supervision for the children during playtime."
  • "She’s taking adult education classes to learn a new language."
  • "It’s important for adult children to support their aging parents."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "adult" in? (e.g., writing a story, answering a question, just learning the word?)
  • Is there a specific sentence or situation you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word adult

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