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adolescence

adolescence

noun ah-doh-leh-SAHNS Rare
People & Society Community

Origin: Latin adolescentia

Usage Note

Adolescence covers the period from puberty to adulthood; the related noun is l'adolescent(e), commonly shortened to l'ado in informal speech. French sociologists and educators frequently discuss crise d'adolescence ('teenage crisis') as a recognised developmental phase. The word is a near-perfect cognate with English, making it easy to remember.

Examples

"Il a traversé une adolescence difficile."

Natural Translation

He went through a difficult adolescence.

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