What does "mature" mean?
To proceed toward maturity: full development or completion (either of concrete or of abstract things, e.g. plans, judgments, qualities).
Mature
/məˈt͡ʃɔː(ɹ)/ adj, verb
adj, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To proceed toward maturity: full development or completion (either of concrete or of abstract things, e.g. plans, judgments, qualities).
- Grammar: mature is listed as adj, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: maturate, accomplish, accrue, adult.
- Useful contrasts: childish, immature, juvenile.
- Usage evidence: After mature reflection, I've decided to accept their offer.
How to use "mature"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "mature" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "mature" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "mature" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "mature" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "mature" is acting as adj, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "maturate" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "mature", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To proceed toward maturity: full development or completion (either of concrete or of abstract things, e.g. plans, judgments, qualities). intransitive
"[…] his originality, in the mean time, was maturing to perfection."
- 2 cause to ripen and discharge pus wordnet
- 3 To attain maturity, to become mature or ripe. intransitive
"[…] Trees […] have alwayes Fruit upon them, ripe, or preparing to mature;"
- 4 grow old or older wordnet
- 5 To bring (something) to maturity, full development, or completion. transitive
"[…] But these thoughts Full Counsel must mature:"
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 cause to ripen or develop fully wordnet
- 7 To make (something, e.g. fruit) ripe or mature. transitive
"[…] a ship well freighted with the stores The sun matures on India’s spicy shores,"
- 8 develop and reach maturity; undergo maturation wordnet
- 9 To proceed toward or become mature or full-grown, either physically or psychologically; to gain experience or wisdom with age. intransitive
- 10 become due for repayment wordnet
- 11 To make (someone) mature. transitive
"Then Tom shall have his kite, and Fan new dollies, Till time matures them for important follies."
- 12 develop and work out fully in one's mind wordnet
- 13 To reach the date when payment is due. intransitive
"When the bond matures, the full face value is payable to its bearer."
Adjective
- 1 Fully developed; grown up in terms of physical appearance, behaviour or thinking; ripe.
"She is quite mature for her age."
- 2 Brought to a state of complete readiness.
"a mature plan"
- 3 Profound; careful.
"The headmaster decided to expel the boy after a mature consideration."
- 4 Come to, or in a state of, completed suppuration. obsolete
- 5 Suitable for adults only, due to sexual themes, violence, etc.
"mature content"
Adjective
- 1 fully considered and perfected wordnet
- 2 (of birds) having developed feathers or plumage; often used in combination wordnet
- 3 having reached full natural growth or development wordnet
- 4 characteristic of maturity wordnet
- 5 fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"After mature reflection, I've decided to accept their offer."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "mature"?
Common synonyms include: maturate, accomplish, accrue, adult, adult, adult form.
How do you use "mature" in a sentence?
After mature reflection, I've decided to accept their offer.
How do you pronounce "mature"?
Pronounced /məˈt͡ʃɔː(ɹ)/.
Etymology
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.