Definition

The time in a person's life when their body changes and they become able to have children, usually happening during their teenage years.

Example

Many teenagers experience physical and emotional changes during puberty.

Conversation

Have you noticed how much we've changed since puberty started?

Yeah, it's crazy! I didn't expect to grow so much so fast.

Right? I feel like everyone is going through puberty at different times.

Totally, but it’s all part of growing up, I guess.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Puberty is derived from the Latin "pubertas" (meaning adulthood or maturity), which comes from "puber" (meaning grown up or adult). The word refers to the stage of development when a person becomes capable of reproduction and reaches physical maturity.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin word for adulthood ('pubertas') to remember that puberty is the time when someone becomes an adult and reaches maturity.

Visually Confused Words