What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preadolescent
Example
My preadolescent daughter is starting to show an interest in boys. [preadolescent: adjective]
Example
Preadolescence is a time of significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. [preadolescence: noun]
prepubescent
Example
The doctor confirmed that the child was still prepubescent and had not yet started puberty. [prepubescent: adjective]
Example
Prepubescence is a time of innocence and childhood before the onset of puberty. [prepubescence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preadolescent is more commonly used than prepubescent in everyday language. Preadolescent is a more general term that covers a wider age range and is often used in educational or developmental contexts, while prepubescent is more specific and is typically used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preadolescent and prepubescent?
Both preadolescent and prepubescent are formal terms that are most commonly used in professional or technical settings. However, preadolescent may be slightly more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels than prepubescent.
