erwachsen
Translation
adult, grown-up
Examples
Er ist ein erwachsener Mann.
He is a grown man.
Erwachsene zahlen den vollen Preis.
Adults pay the full price.
Grammar Patterns
((as an adjective)) as an adjective an adult person
((as a noun)) as a noun Adults pay more.
Similar Words
Synonyms: reif (mature); Antonyms: kindlich (childlike), jugendlich (youthful)
Etymology
From 'er-' (a prefix indicating a process or result) + 'wachsen' (to grow). Literally means 'grown up'.
Memory Tips
Directly connect 'er-wachsen' to the English 'to grow'. The 'wachs' part sounds like 'wax', as in a waxing (growing) moon.