Pronunciation: [pɹˈiː mət͡ʃˈʊ͡ə] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word is "premature," /priːməˈtjʊə(r)/ not "pre mature." The incorrect spelling of this word adds an extra space between the prefix "pre-" and the root word "mature." The IPA phonetic transcription for "premature" indicates that the first syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound, followed by a schwa sound. The second syllable emphasizes the "t" and "y" sounds, with a silent "e" at the end.
Premature is an adjective that is used to describe something that occurs or develops too early or ahead of the expected or appropriate time. It often refers to an action, event, or condition that happens before it is fully developed or ready.
In a biological sense, premature typically pertains to the birth of a baby before the gestational period is completed, leading to potential health complications. Premature birth is characterized by a baby being born before the 37th week of pregnancy.
Additionally, premature can refer to the premature aging of an individual, where signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and greying hair appear earlier than expected. This can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, or exposure to harmful environmental conditions.
In a broader sense, premature can describe actions, decisions, or judgments that are made without sufficient thought, consideration, or information. These actions might lack maturity, wisdom, or prudence, as they are premature in nature and taken prematurely without adequate analysis or evaluation.
Furthermore, premature is often used metaphorically to describe the premature ending or premature cancellation of an event, project, or relationship before it should naturally conclude. This termination can be caused by factors such as external pressures, lack of resources, or unforeseen circumstances.
Overall, premature conveys the notion of something happening or developing prematurely or too early, often with consequences that may be undesirable, incomplete, or unforeseen.
The word premature comes from the Latin word praematurus, which is a combination of prae meaning before and maturus meaning ripe or mature. Hence, premature literally means before the proper time or occurring before the expected or usual time.
