What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fledge
Example
The baby robin finally fledged and flew out of the nest. [fledged: past tense]
Example
The young eagle is still learning to fly after recently fledging. [fledging: present participle]
mature
Example
The apple tree takes several years to mature and produce fruit. [mature: verb]
Example
She is a mature woman who can handle difficult situations with ease. [mature: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mature is a more commonly used word than fledge in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications and can be used in many different contexts. Fledge is a more specialized term that is primarily used in the context of bird biology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fledge and mature?
Both fledge and mature can be used in formal and informal contexts, but mature is generally considered a more formal word due to its broader range of applications and more serious connotations.