What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adolescent
Example
My sister is an adolescent and she's going through a lot of changes. [adolescent: noun]
Example
Adolescent behavior can be challenging for parents to deal with. [adolescent: adjective]
juvenile
Example
The juvenile was sentenced to community service for his crime. [juvenile: noun]
Example
His juvenile sense of humor was not appreciated by his coworkers. [juvenile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adolescent is more commonly used than juvenile in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts. Juvenile is more commonly used in legal or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adolescent and juvenile?
Juvenile is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it is often used in legal or scientific contexts. Adolescent is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
