What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boy
Example
The boy played with his toy cars in the living room. [boy: noun]
Example
He is a mischievous boy who always gets into trouble. [boy: adjective]
juvenile
Example
The juvenile offender was sent to a rehabilitation center. [juvenile: noun]
Example
She displayed juvenile behavior by throwing a tantrum. [juvenile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boy is more commonly used than juvenile in everyday language. Boy is a familiar term that is widely understood and used to refer to young males in various contexts. Juvenile, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used more in formal or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boy and juvenile?
While boy is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, juvenile is more formal and is often used in legal or professional contexts.
