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REFERENCE

mature

adj. · v.
US //məˈtʃʊɹ// UK //mətʃˈɔː// ma·ture
  1. 1 behaving like an adult (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    behaving in a sensible and responsible way, like an adult.

    having or showing the mental and emotional qualities of an adult.

    Example

    He is very mature for his age and handles difficult situations calmly.

    Example

    The teacher noted that the student showed a mature attitude toward criticism, using the feedback to improve her performance rather than becoming defensive.
  2. 2 fully grown or developed (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having reached full natural growth or development.

    having reached a state of full physical development or ripeness.

    Example

    The garden was full of mature trees that provided plenty of shade.

    Example

    The biologist studied the mature specimens of the species to understand their reproductive patterns in the wild.
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  1. 3 for adults only (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    suitable only for adults because it contains things like violence or sexual themes.

    intended for or suitable for adults only, typically due to sophisticated or explicit themes.

    Example

    The movie was rated for mature audiences only due to its violent scenes.

    Example

    The novel explores mature themes of grief and betrayal that might be too complex for younger readers to fully appreciate.
  2. 4 to become adult or wise (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to become more sensible or adult as you get older.

    to develop fully in mind or body; to gain wisdom and experience over time.

    Example

    She has matured a lot since she started her first job.

    Example

    As the young artist matured, her work moved away from simple imitation toward a more profound and personal style.
  3. 5 to develop over time (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    to improve or reach a finished state after a period of time.

    to bring to or reach a state of complete readiness or perfection through a process of time.

    Example

    The cheese needs to mature for several months to get its strong flavour.

    Example

    The research project was allowed to mature over several years, ensuring that the final conclusions were supported by a vast amount of longitudinal data.
  4. 6 financial payment due (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Finance

    to reach the date when a bank investment or insurance policy must be paid.

    to reach the end of a fixed period so that a financial instrument becomes due for payment.

    Example

    The savings bond will mature in ten years, and then we can withdraw the money.

    Example

    Investors were advised to hold their positions until the treasury bills matured to avoid the penalties associated with early liquidation.
    • fall due
Etymology 1

From late Middle English mature, from Middle French mature, from Latin mātūrus. Doublet of maduro. Partially displaced ripe, from Old English rīpe (“ripe, mature”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English maturen, from Middle French maturer (“to mature”), from Latin mātūrō.

Word family

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