Adult
An adult is a human being or living organism that is of relatively mature age, typically associated with sexual maturity and the attainment of reproductive age. In human context, the term has other subordinate meanings associated with social and legal concepts; for example, a legal adult is a legal concept for a person who has attained the age of majority and is therefore regarded as independent, self-sufficient, and responsible (contrast with "minor"). Adulthood can be defined in terms of physiology, psychological adult development, law, personal character, or social status.
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Famous quotes containing the word adult:
“The quickness with which all the stuff from childhood can reduce adult siblings to kids again underscores the strong and complex connections between brothers and sisters.... It doesnt seem to matter how much time has elapsed or how far weve traveled. Our brothers and sisters bring us face to face with our former selves and remind us how intricately bound up we are in each others lives.”
—Jane Mersky Leder (20th century)
“I would hope that parents and grown children could be friends. When a friend confides in you that shes going to do something that you think is most inappropriate, foolhardy or even dangerous, wouldnt you as a friend say soin a calm, supportive way? Yet I have to be so careful what I say to my children. I have to walk on eggs to be sure Im not hurting their feelings or interfering with their lives.”
—Anonymous Parent of Adult Children. Ourselves and Our Children, by Boston Womens Health Book Collective, ch. 5 (1978)
“An air lambent with adult enterprise ...”
—Philip Larkin (19221986)