The spelling of the word "juvenil" is often a source of confusion among English speakers. The correct spelling is "juvenile," with the "n" before the "i." The word is pronounced /ˈdʒuːvənəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the emphasis on the second syllable. "Juvenile" is an adjective that describes something or someone young, immature, or youthful in appearance or behavior. It is frequently used in the context of criminal law to describe offenders who are under the age of 18.
Juvenil is an adjective that stems from the Latin word "juvenilis," which translates to "youthful" or "juvenile." It is commonly used to describe something that is related to or characteristic of youth or young people, typically those in their teenage years or early adulthood.
In the context of individuals, "juvenil" refers to someone who is young, immature, or in the early stages of development. It describes their physical appearance, behavior, or attributes that are associated with youthfulness. For instance, a person may have a juvenile sense of humor, demonstrating a playful or childlike mindset.
The term "juvenil" is also used to describe events, activities, or entertainment that is targeted towards a younger audience. This could include books, movies, music, or other artistic endeavors that specifically cater to the interests and tastes of young people.
Moreover, "juvenil" can be applied to organizations, institutions, or policies that promote the well-being and development of young individuals. For instance, a "juvenil justice system" refers to a legal framework designed to address the specific needs and concerns of young offenders in a rehabilitative manner.
In summary, "juvenil" is an adjective that describes youthfulness, immaturity, or characteristics associated with young people. Its scope encompasses individuals, events, activities, and organizations focused on the youth or early stages of development.
A young person.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "juvenil" is derived from the Latin word "juvenilis", which comes from "juvenis", meaning "young". The root "juvenis" has the same origin as the Greek word "ieutos", which also means "young". Over time, the word "juvenilis" was adopted into various Romance languages with similar meanings, including Spanish, where it became "juvenil". In English, "juvenil" is typically used to describe something youthful or related to young people.