pseudo-adult
|pseu-do-a-dult|
🇺🇸
/ˈsuːdoʊ əˌdʌlt/
🇬🇧
/ˈsjuːdəʊ əˌdʌlt/
false maturity
Etymology
'pseudo-adult' originates from Greek, specifically the prefix 'pseudo-' meaning 'false' or 'deceptive', combined with 'adult', referring to a mature person.
'pseudo-' was used in various languages to denote something false or imitative, and 'adult' has been used in English since the 16th century to denote a mature person.
Initially, 'pseudo-' meant 'false', and 'adult' meant 'mature person'. Together, they describe someone who appears mature but is not fully an adult.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who exhibits adult-like behavior or characteristics but is not yet an adult, often due to age or maturity level.
Despite being only 16, she often acts like a pseudo-adult.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/22 14:10