Stages of Life: English Vocabulary List

in the developmental stage between childhood and adulthood

"He has adolescent problems."

"The adolescent boy spent most of his time playing video games in his room instead of studying for his important exams."

having the characteristics that are typical of young people

"She has a youthful appearance."

"Despite her age she had a youthful energy that inspired everyone around her to stay active and enjoy life to the fullest every day."

the period of being an adult, characterized by physical and psychological maturity

"Adulthood brings responsibility."

"Entering adulthood means taking responsibility for your decisions including financial ones like paying bills on time and saving for retirement."

the period of a male's life before he reaches adulthood

"Boyhood was fun."

"He spent his boyhood in a small village near the mountains."

the period of a female individual's life before she reaches adulthood

"Girlhood shaped her."

"During her girlhood she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian spending hours caring for injured birds and stray cats she found in the neighborhood."

a very young child, typically from birth to around one year old

"The infant slept peacefully in her crib."

"The infant slept soundly in her crib while her parents watched a movie in the living room."

the period of one's life between the age of 13 and 19

"She learned to drive in her teens."

"Many young people face important challenges during their teens."

a period of emotional or personal turmoil experienced by some people in middle adulthood

"He bought a sports car during his midlife crisis."

"He bought a red sports car during his midlife crisis hoping to feel young and adventurous again."

the date on which a special event happened in a previous year

"Their anniversary is today."

"They celebrated their anniversary with dinner and flowers."

the act of burying a dead body or the ceremony in which a dead body is buried

"The burial was sad."

"The ancient tomb contained artifacts suggesting a significant burial ceremony for the pharaoh."

the process of a baby being born

"Childbirth is a difficult process."

"Many women prefer natural childbirth without medical intervention when possible."

the condition of carrying a developing baby in the womb

"The pregnancy advanced without problems."

"She had a healthy pregnancy and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last month."

a religious ceremony in which people bury or cremate a dead person

"The funeral was sad."

"Many friends and family members attended the funeral to pay their respects and offer comfort to the grieving family."

not old enough to legally engage in certain activities such as drinking or getting a driver's license

"He is underage."

"The bartender refused to serve the underage teenager because it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone who is not yet twenty one."

a married woman whose spouse is dead and has not married again

"She became widow."

"She became a widow after her husband passed away suddenly last year."

a man whose spouse is dead and has not remarried

"He is widower."

"He is a widower who lost his wife five years ago."

a child whose parents have died

"The orphan smiled shyly."

"The orphan grew up in foster homes but eventually became a successful doctor against all odds."

advanced in age

"The elderly man needs help."

"The elderly couple celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary with a small party attended by their children grandchildren and close friends from church."

a period of time when a woman can take a break from working and stay home before and after the birth of her child

"Long maternity leave."

"The company offers six months of paid maternity leave to all new mothers."

(of a person) approximately between 45 to 65 years old, typically indicating a stage of life between young adulthood and old age

"My teacher is middle-aged."

"The middle-aged man decided to go back to school to finish his degree because he wanted a better job and more opportunities."

to no longer be alive

"Her grandfather passes away peacefully yesterday."

"The elderly neighbor passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of ninety two last night."

the period during someone's life when they stop working often due to reaching a certain age

"Retirement was peaceful."

"He planned for retirement carefully so that he could travel the world after leaving his job."

a young child who is starting to learn how to walk

"The toddler ran fast."

"The toddler was curious and explored everything in the room."

a period in one's life between puberty and adulthood

"Adolescence is challenging."

"Adolescence is the stage when young people start becoming more independent."

a young person who is in the process of becoming an adult

"The adolescent is moody."

"Navigating the challenges of adolescence requires support as the young person develops their identity and independence."

a young man or teenage boy, typically in the stage of life between childhood and adulthood

"The youth played soccer."

"The determined youth organized a campaign to improve their local community center."

the period or state of very early childhood

"The idea is in its infancy."

"The project is still in its infancy and needs more time to develop."

the state and quality of being mentally and behaviorally rational and sensible

"Maturity takes time."

"Her maturity showed in the way she handled the problem calmly."

(of a baby) born before completing the normal full-term pregnancy length

"The baby was premature."

"The premature baby weighed only two pounds and she had to stay in the hospital for two months before going home."

a person older in age or experience than another

"He is the elder."

"As the elder statesman of the party, his advice was highly valued by younger members."

an agreement between two people to get married or the duration of this agreement

"Their engagement was announced."

"Their engagement was announced in the local newspaper including details about the wedding planned for the following spring at a countryside venue."

relating to young people who have not reached adulthood yet

"That is a juvenile joke."

"The comedian's juvenile jokes about bodily functions amused the children but the adults in the audience found them tasteless and boring."

related to individuals who are considered elderly

"She is a senior citizen."

"The senior citizen received a discount on his bus pass because the city offers reduced fares for people over the age of sixty five."

(used by children or when talking to them) an adult who is fully matured and responsible

"Be a grownup now."

"The child was told to act like a grownup after causing trouble at the party."