Mature vs. Young: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Mature refers to a state of being fully developed or ripe, often implying wisdom or sophistication, while young denotes an early stage of development, often associated with inexperience.
Key Differences
Mature, in its broadest sense, describes something or someone that has reached a state of full development. In biological terms, it refers to an organism that has achieved its full growth potential. In a psychological or social context, being mature often implies a level of wisdom, understanding, and emotional intelligence gained through experiences. Young, on the other hand, denotes an early or initial stage of development. Biologically, it refers to an organism that is still growing and has not reached its full physical potential. Socially and psychologically, being young is often associated with inexperience, exploration, and a period of learning and growth.
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Dec 04, 2023
In human development, mature individuals are typically characterized by a greater sense of self-awareness, responsibility, and stability. They are often expected to make well-thought-out decisions and understand the complexities of life. Conversely, young individuals are in the process of developing these traits. They are often more impulsive, less aware of the long-term consequences of their actions, and are still forming their identities and understanding of the world.
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Dec 04, 2023
In the context of decision-making, maturity often manifests as the ability to make balanced and informed choices, considering both immediate and long-term consequences. Mature individuals are expected to weigh different factors, manage emotions, and consider the impact of their decisions on others. Young individuals, due to less life experience, may make decisions based more on immediate gratification or limited perspectives.
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Dec 04, 2023
In relationships, mature individuals are often more capable of handling conflicts, expressing empathy, and maintaining stable connections. They tend to have more refined communication skills and understand the importance of compromise and mutual respect. Young individuals are in the learning phase of developing these skills. They might struggle with managing emotions in relationships and lack the experience to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics effectively.
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Dec 04, 2023
Finally, in the workplace, maturity is often equated with professionalism, reliability, and the ability to mentor others. Mature employees are seen as assets due to their experience, perspective, and stability. Young workers bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn but may require guidance to develop professional maturity.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Development Stage
Fully developed, either physically or emotionally.
In an early stage of development.
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Decision-Making
Informed, considering long-term consequences.
Often impulsive or based on limited experience.
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Emotional Intelligence
High, with a better understanding of self and others.
Developing, often marked by exploration.
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Relationship Skills
Capable of handling complex dynamics.
Still learning to navigate relationships.
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Workplace Role
Often in mentoring or leadership positions.
Typically in learning or entry-level positions.
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Mature and Young Definitions
Mature
Ripe or fully aged, as in fruits or cheese.
The mature cheese had a rich, complex flavor.
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Young
Early in the life cycle or development.
The young seedlings were just beginning to sprout.
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Mature
Developed to a high degree of complexity.
The mature technology was reliable and efficient.
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Young
Recently created or begun.
The young company was full of innovative ideas.
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Mature
Exhibiting well-developed emotional and intellectual qualities.
Her mature perspective was valued in the team.
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Young
In the early stages of growth or development.
The young artist's talent was already evident.
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Mature
Having or showing characteristics, such as patience and prudence, considered typical of well-balanced adulthood
Mature for her age.
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Oct 19, 2023
Young
Relating to, typical of, or suggestive of youth or early life
He is young for his age.
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Young
(Geology) Being of an early stage in a geologic cycle. Used of bodies of water and land formations.
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Young
Young persons considered as a group; youth
Entertainment for the young.
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Mature
No longer subject to great expansion or development. Used of an industry, market, or product.
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Mature
(Geology) Having reached maximum development of form. Used of streams and landforms.
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Young
In the early part of growth or life; born not long ago.
A lamb is a young sheep;
These picture books are for young readers
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Young
At an early stage of existence or development; having recently come into existence.
The age of space travel is still young;
A young business
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Mature
To work out fully in the mind
"able to digest and mature my thoughts for my own mind only" (John Stuart Mill).
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Young
(Not) advanced in age; (far towards or) at a specified stage of existence or age.
How young is your dog?
Her grandmother turned 70 years young last month.
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Mature
To evolve toward or reach full development
The child's judgment matures as she grows older.
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Mature
Fully developed; grown up in terms of physical appearance, behaviour or thinking; ripe.
She is quite mature for her age.
The excellent mature eggplants grown in the garden plot are quickly being being picked up by family and friends.
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Young
Youthful; having the look or qualities of a young person.
My grandmother is a very active woman and is quite young for her age.
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Young
Of or belonging to the early part of life.
The cynical world soon shattered my young dreams.
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Mature
Profound; careful.
The headmaster decided to expel the boy after a mature consideration.
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Young
(obsolete) Having little experience; inexperienced; unpracticed; ignorant; weak.
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Young
(often as if a plural noun) Offspring, especially the immature offspring of animals.
The lion caught a gnu to feed its young.
The lion's young are curious about the world around them.
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Mature
Suitable for adults only, due to sexual themes, violence, etc.
Mature content
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Mature
(intransitive) To proceed toward maturity: full development or completion (either of concrete or of abstract things, e.g. plans, judgments, qualities).
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Mature
(transitive) To bring (something) to maturity, full development, or completion.
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Young
Not long born; still in the first part of life; not yet arrived at adolescence, maturity, or age; not old; juvenile; - said of animals; as, a young child; a young man; a young fawn.
For he so young and tender was of age.
"Whom the gods love, die young," has been too long carelessly said; . . . whom the gods love, live young forever.
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Young
Being in the first part, pr period, of growth; as, a young plant; a young tree.
While the fears of the people were young.
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Mature
To proceed toward or become mature or full-grown, either physically or psychologically; to gain experience or wisdom with age.
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Young
Having little experience; inexperienced; unpracticed; ignorant; weak.
Come, come, elder brother, you are too young in this.
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Young
The offspring of animals, either a single animal or offspring collectively.
[The egg] bursting with kindly rupture, forth disclosedTheir callow young.
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Mature
To reach the date when payment is due.
When the bond matures, the full face value is payable to its bearer.
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Mature
Brought by natural process to completeness of growth and development; fitted by growth and development for any function, action, or state, appropriate to its kind; full-grown; ripe.
Now is love mature in ear.
How shall I meet, or how accost, the sage,Unskilled in speech, nor yet mature of age?
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Mature
Completely worked out; fully digested or prepared; ready for action; made ready for destined application or use; perfected; as, a mature plan.
This lies glowing, . . . and is almost mature for the violent breaking out.
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Mature
Of or pertaining to a condition of full development; as, a man of mature years.
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Young
British physicist and Egyptologist; he revived the wave theory of light and proposed a three-component theory of color vision; he also played an important role in deciphering the hieroglyphics on the Rosetta Stone (1773-1829)
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Mature
To bring or hasten to maturity; to promote ripeness in; to ripen; to complete; as, to mature one's plans.
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Mature
To advance toward maturity; to become ripe; as, wine matures by age; the judgment matures by age and experience.
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Oct 19, 2023
Young
United States religious leader of the Mormon Church after the assassination of Joseph Smith; he led the Mormon exodus from Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah (1801-1877)
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Mature
Develop and reach maturity; undergo maturation;
He matured fast
The child grew fast
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Young
Young people collectively;
Rock music appeals to the young
Youth everywhere rises in revolt
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Mature
Develop and work out fully in one's mind;
I need to mature my thoughts
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Young
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth;
Young people
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Young
(of crops) harvested at an early stage of development; before complete maturity;
New potatoes
Young corn
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Mature
Cause to ripen or develop fully;
The sun ripens the fruit
Age matures a good wine
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Young
Characterized by youth; possessing youth and its attributes.
The young athlete showed great potential.
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Mature
Grow old or older;
She aged gracefully
We age every day--what a depressing thought!
Young men senesce
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Young
Lacking in maturity or experience.
His young, inexperienced team faced many challenges.
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Mature
Fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used;
Ripe peaches
Full-bodies mature wines
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Mature
(of birds) having developed feathers or plumage; often used in combination
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Mature
Fully developed in body or mind.
She displayed a mature understanding of the situation.
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Mature
Showing the characteristics associated with adulthood.
His mature response to criticism was admirable.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does mature mean?
Fully developed, either physically, emotionally, or intellectually.
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Dec 04, 2023
Are mature individuals always older in age?
Not necessarily; maturity can also refer to emotional or intellectual development.
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What is a mature decision?
A decision that reflects thoughtfulness and consideration of consequences.
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Can a young person be mature?
Yes, if they show qualities or abilities beyond their age.
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What role does experience play in maturity?
Experience significantly contributes to the development of maturity.
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What does it mean to be young at heart?
Retaining characteristics of youth, like enthusiasm and openness, regardless of age.
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Does maturity guarantee success in the workplace?
Not guarantee, but it often contributes to professional effectiveness.
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How do young people contribute to the workplace?
With fresh perspectives, energy, and adaptability.
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Are young people less capable of making good decisions?
Not necessarily, though they may have less experience to draw upon.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can young people be wise?
Yes, wisdom can be innate or developed, irrespective of age.
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Dec 04, 2023
Do mature people adapt well to change?
They can, especially if they have emotional and intellectual flexibility.
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How does maturity affect relationships?
Maturity often leads to more stable and understanding relationships.
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Is emotional maturity important in personal growth?
Yes, it's crucial for personal development and relationships.
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Is maturity always desirable?
Generally, yes, but it depends on the context and situation.
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Can young people be in leadership roles?
Yes, leadership can depend on skills and qualities, not just age.
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Does being mature mean lacking fun or spontaneity?
No, mature individuals can still enjoy fun and spontaneity.
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Can young individuals be responsible?
Yes, responsibility is not solely linked to age or maturity.
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How do young people view challenges?
Often as opportunities for growth and learning.
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How does society view young and mature individuals?
Views vary, but often young are seen as energetic and adaptable, while mature are viewed as stable and experienced.
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Dec 04, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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