"Reach majority" is a common phrase used to describe the age at which a person legally becomes an adult. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "reach," is spelled /riːtʃ/. The second word, "majority," is spelled /məˈdʒɒrəti/. The stress falls on the second syllable of "majority," which is indicated by the apostrophe symbol in the IPA transcription. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /riːtʃ məˈdʒɒrəti/.
"Reach majority" refers to the age at which an individual legally attains the age of adulthood, allowing them certain rights and responsibilities that were previously restricted. In most jurisdictions, this age is set at 18 years old, but it may vary in some cases.
When an individual reaches majority, they are considered to be an adult in the eyes of the law. They gain the ability to make decisions independently, without the need for parental or guardian consent. Some of the rights that come with reaching majority include the right to vote, the ability to enter into contracts, and the freedom to make decisions regarding personal healthcare and finances.
Reaching majority also carries with it certain responsibilities. These typically include obligations such as paying taxes, jury duty, and following the laws of the land. Additionally, individuals of majority age are held fully accountable for their actions and can be subject to legal consequences if they violate the law.
Overall, reaching majority signifies a significant milestone in an individual's life as they transition from being a minor to becoming an adult. It marks a time of increased autonomy, where individuals can exercise their rights and take responsibility for their choices and actions.
The term "reach majority" does not have a distinct etymology. Instead, it combines two separate concepts: "reach" and "majority".
1. Reach: The word "reach" originates from the Old English word "rǣcan" meaning "to stretch out one's hand". Over time, it evolved to include the broader sense of achieving or attaining something.
2. Majority: The word "majority" has its roots in the Latin word "major" meaning "greater". It entered English through the Old French term "majorité" and refers to a group or quantity that holds the greater number or shares a supremacy.
When these two terms are combined, "reach majority" implies reaching a point or stage where one attains a majority or a position of greater numbers or power.