Young

Definition

Young refers to being in the early stages of life, growth, or development. It can also describe characteristics associated with youth, such as energy or inexperience.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /jʌŋ/
• Respelling: YUNG

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /jʌŋ/
• Respelling: YUNG

Etymology

The word "young" originates from Old English "geong," meaning "young" or "youthful," derived from Proto-Germanic "*jungaz" and Proto-Indo-European "*yuwen-," meaning "vital" or "strong."

Derivatives

• Younger (adjective, comparative)
• Youngest (adjective, superlative)
• Youth (noun)
• Youngling (noun)
• Youngness (noun)

Synonyms

• Juvenile
• Adolescent
• Fresh

Antonyms

• Old
• Elderly
• Aged

Usage

The adjective "young" is often used to describe individuals or creatures in early life stages, as in "The young children played in the park." As a noun, it refers to offspring or juveniles, as in "The bird fed its young."

Related Terms

• Youth: The period of being young.
• Adolescence: The transitional stage from childhood to adulthood.
• Freshness: The state of being new or recently made.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Being in the early stages of life: Describes a person, animal, or plant not fully grown or developed.
  • Example: "The young puppy was full of energy."
• Possessing qualities associated with youth: Refers to vitality, inexperience, or immaturity.
  • Example: "The company has a young and innovative team."

Noun

• The offspring of an animal: Refers to the babies or juveniles of a species.
  • Example: "The lioness protected her young fiercely."
• A person in the early stages of life: Refers to someone who is youthful or inexperienced.
  • Example: "The young often bring new perspectives to the discussion."