What is mature? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of mature

matureadjective

/məˈtʃʊə(r)//məˈtʃʊr/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "mature." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈmæ.tʃər/ (American English)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈmæ: (This is the most challenging part!)

    • "m" is pronounced like the "m" in "man."
    • "æ" is a short, open "a" sound, like in the word "cat" or "hat." It's not like the "a" in "father." Think of it as a sound that’s slightly closer to your mouth.

  2. -chər:

    • "ch" is pronounced like the "ch" in "church" or "chair."
    • "ər" is a short, unstressed "er" sound, similar to the "er" in "her" or "letter."

So, putting it all together, you’re aiming for something like: "mah-cher" (with a slight emphasis on the first syllable).

Alternative (British English) Pronunciation:

  • /ˈmjuː.tʃər/

This pronunciation has a slightly different vowel sound:

  • "ˈmjuː" The "u" is pronounced like the "u" in "put" or "use." This is the key difference from the American pronunciation.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "mature" into Google Translate, and click the speaker icon to hear both American and British pronunciations.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/mature/ This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers from different regions.
  • Youglish: https://youglish.com/w/mature This will show you how the word is pronounced in video clips.

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

  • Where are you from (generally speaking)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, etc.) - This will help me tell you which pronunciation is more common in your region.

Usage and examples with the word mature in English

Let's break down how to use the word "mature" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As an Adjective (Describing People):

  • Meaning 1: Developed; Advanced; Grown-Up: This is probably the most common usage. It describes someone who has reached a higher level of psychological or emotional development.
    • Examples:
      • "She's a mature young woman and takes on a lot of responsibility." (Meaning she's responsible and thoughtful)
      • "He’s a mature approach to parenting." (Meaning a thoughtful and considered approach)
      • "It takes a mature person to handle criticism well."
  • Meaning 2: Experienced; Having a lot of Life Experience: Linked to the first definition, this emphasizes someone who’s lived a lot and learned from it.
    • Examples:
      • “He brings a mature perspective to the team, having worked in the industry for 20 years.”
      • “A mature traveler is better equipped to handle unexpected situations."

2. As an Adjective (Describing Fruit/Vegetables):

  • Meaning: Ripe; Fully Developed: This is the literal, botanical definition.
    • Examples:
      • "The apples are mature and ready for picking."
      • "These tomatoes are mature and bursting with flavor."
      • “The corn stalks are mature and filled with kernels.”

3. As a Verb (Describing Processes):

  • Meaning 1: To Grow or Develop (Especially Fully): To ripen or fully develop, often related to plants or sometimes figuratively.
    • Examples:
      • “The seeds need sunlight to mature.”
      • “The plan is maturing over time.” (Meaning it's becoming more refined and concrete)
  • Meaning 2: To Become More Mature (of a person): Here, it's describing someone becoming more mature. This is less common than the adjective form.
    • Examples:
      • “He’s maturing into a strong leader.” (He's becoming more mature.)
      • “Through her experiences, she began to mature as a person.”

Key Differences & How to Choose the Right Word:

Feature Mature (Adjective - People) Mature (Adjective - Fruits/Veg) Mature (Verb)
What it describes Personality, experience Ripeness, development Growth, development
Example "A mature decision" "Mature peaches" "The wine is maturing"

Tips for Using "Mature" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "mature" is entirely dependent on the context. Pay attention to what you're describing.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms to avoid repetition:
    • For people: grown-up, developed, seasoned, experienced, wise, thoughtful.
    • For fruit/vegetables: ripe, fully grown, ready.
  • Don't Overuse: "Mature" can sound a little formal. Use it when it genuinely fits the situation.

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "mature"? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, answering a question on a test?)

Synonyms for the word mature

Practice with vocabulary mature

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. A truly ____________ leader can guide a team through adversity with calm and wisdom.
  2. The software system needs to be fully ____________ before its official launch next quarter.
  3. Despite their young age, the students demonstrated a surprisingly ____________ understanding of complex ethical dilemmas.
  4. Her insightful analysis of the market trends showcased a highly ____________ perspective.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following qualities are indicative of a mature approach to problem-solving? a) Impulsive reactions b) Calm consideration of options c) A willingness to compromise d) Blaming others for difficulties

  2. A product or market is considered to be in its mature phase when it has reached: a) Its initial conceptual stage b) A point of stable operation and established processes c) Rapid, exponential growth d) Its peak market penetration with limited new opportunities

  3. To foster a more mature professional environment, management should encourage: a) Gossip and office politics b) Open and constructive feedback c) Personal accountability for tasks d) Childish pranks and insensitivity

  4. Which words describe a person who has extensive practical knowledge and is skilled from long-term involvement in a field? a) Inexperienced b) Novice c) Seasoned d) Veteran

  5. The new policy aims to create a more ____________ and effective communication channel within the organization. a) Obstructive b) Transparent c) Ambiguous d) Streamlined

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her ability to handle intense pressure without losing her composure is admirable. (Rewrite using "mature" or a related word form.)

  2. After several years, the start-up company's processes are now fully established and highly efficient. (Rewrite using "mature" or a related word form.)

  3. The team's understanding of the complex technical specifications has grown significantly over time. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "mature" or its forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. mature
  2. developed
  3. mature
  4. sophisticated

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b, c (Calm consideration of options, A willingness to compromise)
  2. b, d (A point of stable operation and established processes, Its peak market penetration with limited new opportunities)
  3. b, c (Open and constructive feedback, Personal accountability for tasks)
  4. c, d (Seasoned, Veteran)
  5. b, d (Transparent, Streamlined)

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her ability to handle intense pressure with maturity is admirable.
  2. After several years, the start-up company's processes are now mature and highly efficient.
  3. The team's understanding of the complex technical specifications has deepened significantly over time.

Comment ()