What does adolescently mean?
"Adolescently" is a rare English adverb meaning in a manner characteristic of an adolescent — that is, in a way that suggests teenage behavior, whether that means immaturity and moodiness, self-conscious awkwardness, or the heightened intensity of youth. It derives from the adjective "adolescent," which in turn comes from the Latin verb adolescere, meaning to grow up or grow to maturity. In practice the word most often appears in critical or observational contexts: a character might sulk adolescently, respond adolescently to criticism, or gaze adolescently at a crush. Because it is uncommon, careful writers sometimes prefer fuller phrases such as "in an adolescent manner," but "adolescently" offers a compact, evocative alternative. Its connotations are usually mildly negative when applied to adults, implying behavior one should have outgrown, though it can be affectionate or nostalgic when describing genuine youth.
adverbIn a manner characteristic of an adolescent; in a way that suggests teenage immaturity, self-consciousness, or youthful behavior.
- In a manner typical of an adolescent, especially suggesting immaturity, awkwardness, or self-consciousness.
- During or relating to the period of adolescence (rare, literal sense).
"He reacted rather adolescently to the criticism, storming out of the meeting."
"She giggled adolescently at the teacher's slip of the tongue."
"The novel's narrator looks back adolescently on his first heartbreak, all intensity and exaggeration."
Built from a Latin verb meaning 'to grow up,' this adverb ironically describes people who haven't quite managed it yet.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of adolescently
"Adolescently" is formed from the adjective "adolescent" plus the adverbial suffix -ly. "Adolescent" comes from the present participle of the Latin verb adolescere, meaning "to grow up" or "to come to maturity," from ad- (toward) + alescere (to grow, be nourished). The same Latin root produced "adolescence" and, via the past participle adultus, the word "adult." The adjective entered English in the Middle French/Latin scholarly tradition, and the adverb was formed later by regular English derivation.
Related word forms
How adolescently is actually used
A rare and somewhat literary word; writers more often use phrases like "in an adolescent way" or simply "adolescent" attributively. It often carries a mildly critical connotation when describing adult behavior as immature.
Easily confused with adolescently
"Adolescent" is primarily a noun meaning a teenager or an adjective describing that age group, while "adolescently" is the rarer adverb describing behavior done in an adolescent manner.