The spelling of the phrase "reaching adulthood" is straightforward. "Reaching" is spelled /ˈriː.tʃɪŋ/ and "adulthood" is spelled /əˈdʌl.tʊd/. The stress falls on the first syllable of "reaching" and the second syllable of "adulthood." The "ea" in "reaching" represents the long vowel sound /iː/, while the "oo" in "adulthood" represents the short vowel sound /ʊ/. This phrase refers to the point in time when a person becomes an adult and is no longer a child.
Reaching adulthood refers to the period in a person's life when they transition from being a teenager to becoming an adult, typically marked by legal age milestones and certain social, physical, and psychological developments. It is the process of maturing both physically and emotionally to take on the responsibilities and roles associated with adulthood.
Physically, reaching adulthood is the stage where individuals complete their growth and development to reach their full adult height and sexual maturity. It is also characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair growth for males and breast development for females.
Emotionally and psychologically, reaching adulthood involves acquiring a sense of independence, self-awareness, and the ability to make decisions and take responsibility for one's actions. This includes developing a personal identity, forming and maintaining healthy relationships, and managing one's emotions and well-being. This period also often entails facing new challenges such as career choices, financial decisions, and potentially starting a family.
Legally, reaching adulthood is often marked by certain milestones such as turning 18 or 21, where individuals gain specific rights and responsibilities, such as the right to vote, drive a car, or sign legal documents. These legal milestones are recognized by society as significant steps toward assuming the rights and responsibilities of an adult.
Overall, reaching adulthood encompasses the multifaceted process of physical, emotional, psychological, and legal maturation, and represents a pivotal moment in an individual's life journey.
The word "reaching adulthood" consists of two components: "reaching" and "adulthood".
The term "reaching" is derived from the verb "reach", which originates from the Old English word "rǣcan", meaning "to extend one's arm, stretch out, or reach for" or "to get to, arrive at". It can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "raikijan", meaning "to stretch out or extend oneself".
The word "adulthood" comes from the noun "adult", which is derived from the Latin word "adultus". This Latin term means "grown-up" or "mature". It stems from the verb "adolescere", meaning "to grow up" or "to become mature".
Hence, "reaching adulthood" refers to the process of arriving at or attaining the state of being mature or fully grown.