adolescence

Definition

Adolescence is the period of physical and psychological development that occurs between childhood and adulthood. It is a time of significant changes, both physical and emotional.

Physically, adolescents experience a growth spurt, their bodies change shape, and they start to develop secondary sex characteristics. They may also experience acne, body odour, and other changes related to puberty.

Emotionally, adolescents become more independent and start to explore their identity. They may also experience mood swings, become more sensitive, and start to question authority.

Adolescence is a time of great change, but it is also a time of great opportunity. Adolescents learn about themselves and the world around them, and they start to develop the skills they need to become adults.

Here are some of the physical changes that occur during adolescence:

Growth spurt: Adolescents typically grow taller and gain weight rapidly during this time.
Body changes: Adolescents' bodies change shape, and they start to develop secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts in girls and facial hair in boys.
Acne: Many adolescents experience acne, which is a common skin condition caused by hormonal changes.
Body odour: Adolescents' bodies start to produce more sweat, which can lead to body odour.

Here are some of the emotional changes that occur during adolescence:

Increased independence: Adolescents start to become more independent and start to make their own decisions.
Identity exploration: Adolescents start to explore their identity and who they are as a person.
Mood swings: Adolescents may experience mood swings, which are common during this time.
Sensitivity: Adolescents may become more sensitive to their surroundings and to the opinions of others.
Questioning authority: Adolescents may start to question authority, which is a normal part of this stage of development.

How can the word be used?

Adolescence is the period of physical and psychological development that occurs between childhood and adulthood.

Different forms of the word

Noun:

adolescence (no plural form).
the period of physical and psychological development that occurs between childhood and adulthood.
adolescents (plural).
people who are in the period of adolescence.

Adjective:

adolescent.
relating to or characteristic of adolescence.

Verb:

adolescentise.
to cause someone to behave like an adolescent.

Etymology

The word adolescent comes from the Latin word adolescens, which means "growing up." It is a noun that refers to the period of physical and psychological development that occurs between childhood and adulthood. This period is typically marked by a number of changes, including physical growth, the development of secondary sex characteristics, and changes in cognitive and emotional development.

Question

What changes occur in your body when you are an adolescent?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question: Adolescence is a time of great physical and psychological change. Describe two physical changes that occur during adolescence and two psychological changes that occur during adolescence.

This question would test your understanding of the physical and psychological changes that occur during adolescence. You would need to be able to identify two physical changes that occur during adolescence, such as a growth spurt or the development of secondary sex characteristics, and two psychological changes that occur during adolescence, such as increased independence or identity exploration.

Here are some possible answers to the question:

Physical changes:

Growth spurt: Adolescents typically grow taller and gain weight rapidly during this time.
Development of secondary sex characteristics: Adolescents' bodies change shape, and they start to develop secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts in girls and facial hair in boys.

Psychological changes:

Increased independence: Adolescents start to become more independent and start to make their own decisions.
Identity exploration: Adolescents start to explore their identity and who they are as a person.