An adult is a human or other animal that has reached full
growth.[1] The biological definition of the word means an animal reaching
sexual maturity and thus capable of reproduction. In the human context, the
term adult has meanings associated with social and legal concepts. In contrast
to a non-adult or "minor", a legal adult is a person who has attained
the age of majority and is therefore regarded as independent, self-sufficient,
and responsible. They may also be regarded as a "major". The typical
age of attaining legal adulthood is 18, although definition may vary by legal
rights, country, and psychological development.
Human adulthood encompasses psychological adult development.
Definitions of adulthood are often inconsistent and contradictory; a person may
be biologically an adult, and have adult behavior, but still be treated as a
child if they are under the legal age of majority. Conversely, one may legally
be an adult but possess none of the maturity and responsibility that may define
an adult character.
In different cultures there are events that relate passing
from being a child to becoming an adult or coming of age. This often
encompasses the passing a series of tests to demonstrate that a person is
prepared for adulthood, or reaching a specified age, sometimes in conjunction
with demonstrating preparation. Most modern societies determine legal adulthood
based on reaching a legally specified age without requiring a demonstration of physical
maturity or preparation for adulthood
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