Juvenile

Adjective

Definition: A young person, particularly one below the legal age of adulthood.

Synonyms: Minor, Youth, Teenager

Antonyms: Adult, Grown-up

Examples:
  • The court dealt with many cases involving juveniles.
  • Her parents were concerned about her behavior as a juvenile.
Mnemonics:
  • Juveniles are individuals who are not yet adults.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Latin 'juvenilis', from juvenis meaning 'young'.

Historical Usage:

The word 'juvenile' has been used since the late Middle English period, primarily referring to the young stage of life.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Juvenile detention"

Explanation:

Refers to the holding or confinement of young individuals who have committed criminal offenses.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'juvenile' with 'juvenal'.

Explanation:

'Juvenile' refers to young people or things related to youth, while 'juvenal' is an uncommon term referring to youthfulness or related to the Roman poet Juvenal.

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