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mature

/məˈtjʊə/

When used as an adjective to describe a person, "mature" can be a polite way to say someone is older (e.g., "a mature student"), avoiding the word "old." As a verb, it is commonly used in finance to describe when an investment or insurance policy reaches its full value and can be paid out.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Sarah is hiding in the breakroom to avoid David.
Jessica

David's throwing a fit over the logo again. You gotta be more mature about his feedback.

Jessica
Sarah
Sarah

I'm totally burnt out. I can't deal with his mood swings today.

💡
Jessica is urging Sarah to show emotional stability (mature) in response to their boss, while Sarah uses the idiom 'burnt out' to describe her extreme exhaustion and lack of patience.

Meanings

adjective

Fully developed physically; full-grown.

"The biologists studied the mature specimens of the rare orchid."

adjective

Having or showing emotional stability and sensible judgment.

"She handled the criticism in a very mature manner."

verb (intransitive)

To become fully grown or developed over time.

"The young wine needs several more years to mature in the cellar."

verb (transitive)

To make something reach full development or a specific state of completion.

"The mentor helped mature the student's raw talent into professional skill."

Related Words

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error