preadolescent
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌpriː.æd.əˈlɛs.ənt/
KK: /prɪˈæd.əˌlɛs.ənt/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the stage of development just before adolescence, typically referring to children aged 9 to 12 years.
Example
The preadolescent children in the program showed great enthusiasm for learning.
Conversation
I was watching a documentary about preadolescent children the other day.
Oh really? What was it about?
It explored their development and how they interact with each other.
That sounds interesting! I love learning about preadolescent behaviors.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
juvenile
youthful
immature
Antonyms
mature
adult
developed
noun
Definition
A child who is not yet old enough to go through puberty, typically between the ages of 9 and 12.
Example
The preadolescent group participated in various activities designed for their age.
Conversation
Have you seen how much energy that preadolescent kid has?
I know, right? It's like they never get tired!
It's interesting to watch them grow; their interests change so fast.
Root Explanation
Preadolescent → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "adolescent" (from Latin "adolescens", meaning growing up or maturing). The word refers to the stage before adolescence, indicating the period before a person reaches the age of maturity.
Memory Tip
Think of 'pre-' meaning before and 'adolescent' referring to growing up — so preadolescent describes the time before someone becomes a teenager.
Visually Confused Words
prevalescent
predescent
adolescent
revalescent
recalescent
redescent
adolescently