Mature
/məˈtjʊr/noun
Fully developed or grown.
Did you know?The word 'mature' is linked to the Latin 'maturus', which originally referred to something that is fully ripened, much like the cycle of life and death in nature.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*me-
“to measure, to limit; often associated with growth and development.”
Latin
Latin
maturus
“ripe, timely; signifying readiness and completion.”
Old French
Old French
mature
“fully developed, ripe; adopted from Latin during the Norman Conquest.”
14th Century
Middle English
mature
“fully grown or developed, particularly in relation to human growth.”
Modern English
English
mature
“referring to an individual or entity that has reached full development.”
Explore more surprising origins