French word

adulte

Pronunciation

IPA/adylt/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)adult

Example

Je travaille avec des adultes.

I work with adults.

Illustration for adulte (adult)

More examples

Les adultes paient l'addition.

The adults pay the bill.

Core concept

A mature, socially responsible person rather than a child or adolescent.

Common phrases

  • un adulte

    an adult

  • les adultes

    the adults

  • à l'âge adulte

    in adulthood

Similar words

majeur: A person who has reached the legal age of majority and may perform legal acts.
mineur: A person who has not yet reached the legal age of majority.

Definition in French

Personne qui a atteint la maturité physique et sociale et qui assume la responsabilité de ses actes.

Word origin

The French noun adulte developed from the adjective adulte, inherited from Latin adultus, meaning grown or matured.

Usage tips

  • Adulte refers broadly to an adult, while majeur more specifically describes legal majority or its consequences.

Opposites

Word lists with this word