Adolescent or Adolecent
Which Spelling is Correct? Understanding the difference between "Adolescent" or "Adolecent": these commonly confused spellings and how to use them properly.
Adolecent
Incorrect spelling - "Adolecent" is a misspelling. The correct spelling has an 's' in "adolescent."
"Adolecent" is a common misspelling of "Adolescent". Always use "Adolescent" when referring to the correct word.
Adolescent
Correct spelling - The proper way to spell this word.
"Adolescent" is the correct spelling. It refers to a young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult.
Definition of Adolescent
"Adolescent": "Adolescent" is the correct spelling. It refers to a young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult.
This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.
Synonyms for Adolescent
- • juvenile
- • teenager
- • youth
- • minor
- • young person
- • pubescent
- • teen
- • youngster
- • stripling
Usage Examples
"Correct:" The adolescent boy is learning how to manage his responsibilities.
"Correct:" She works at a clinic that specializes in adolescent health.
"Correct:" Many adolescent students struggle with balancing school and social life.
"Correct:" The novel explores the challenges of adolescent identity.
"Incorrect:" The adolecent girl enjoys playing the piano.
"Incorrect:" He studies the psychology of adolecent behavior.
"Incorrect:" Teachers often guide adolecent learners through difficult transitions.
"Incorrect:" The movie depicts adolecent friendships in a realistic way.
Notes:
- • Adolescent is spelled with an 's' before the 'c'.
- • It's commonly used in medical, psychological, and educational contexts.
- • Refers to the period of life between childhood and adulthood.
- • The word can be used as both a noun and an adjective.
- • The word comes from the Latin "adolescens" meaning "growing up."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "adolecent" ever correct?
A: No, "adolecent" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "adolescent" with an 's' before the 'c'.
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Remember that "adolescent" has an 's' before the 'c' - "adoles-cent". The word comes from Latin "adolescens" meaning "growing up."
Q: What's the difference between adolescent and teenager?
A: Both refer to young people, but "adolescent" is a broader term that includes the entire period of development from childhood to adulthood, while "teenager" specifically refers to ages 13-19.
Q: Can adolescent be used as an adjective?
A: Yes, "adolescent" can be used as both a noun (a young person) and an adjective (relating to adolescence).
Q: Is adolescent always about negative behavior?
A: No, "adolescent" simply refers to the age group and is not inherently negative. It can describe both positive and negative behaviors.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "adolecent" likely occurs because the 's' sound is subtle and may be omitted in writing.
Q: What are some common phrases using "adolescent"?
A: Common phrases include: adolescent health, adolescent development, adolescent years, adolescent psychology, and adolescent behavior.
Q: Can "adolescent" be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "adolescent" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in medical, academic, and professional contexts.
Summary
Remember: Adolescent is the correct spelling with an 's' before the 'c'. It refers to a young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult. The misspelling "adolecent" without the 's' is never correct. Use this word when you want to describe someone in the period of adolescence.