What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
juvenile
Example
The zoo has a special exhibit for juvenile animals. [juvenile: adjective]
Example
The juvenile was sentenced to community service for his crime. [juvenile: noun]
teenage
Example
My teenage daughter loves to listen to pop music. [teenage: adjective]
Example
Teenage can be a difficult time for many young people. [teenage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Teenage is more commonly used than juvenile in everyday language. Teenage is a widely recognized term that is used frequently in discussions of youth culture and adolescence. Juvenile, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in more formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between juvenile and teenage?
Juvenile is generally a more formal term than teenage. It is often used in legal contexts or in discussions of policy related to young people. Teenage, on the other hand, is a more casual term that is used in everyday conversation and popular media.