Immature vs. Mature

Immature vs. Mature — Is There a Difference?
ADVERTISEMENT

Difference Between Immature and Mature

Immatureadjective

Occurring before the proper time; untimely, premature (especially of death).

Matureadjective

Fully developed; grown up in terms of physical appearance, behaviour or thinking; ripe.

She is quite mature for her age.

Immatureadjective

Not fully formed or developed; not grown.

Matureadjective

Brought to a state of complete readiness.

a mature plan

Immatureadjective

Childish in behavior; juvenile.

You're only young once, but you can be immature the rest of your life.The man was immature for throwing a tantrum.

Matureadjective

Profound; careful.

The headmaster decided to expel the boy after a mature consideration.
ADVERTISEMENT

Immaturenoun

An immature member of a species.

Matureadjective

Come to, or in a state of, completed suppuration.

Immatureadjective

characteristic of a lack of maturity;

immature behavior

Matureverb

To become mature; to ripen.

Immatureadjective

lacking in development;

immature plansan unformed character

Matureverb

(intransitive) To gain experience or wisdom with age.

ADVERTISEMENT

Immatureadjective

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth;

young people

Matureverb

(transitive) To make something mature.

Immatureadjective

not fully developed or mature; not ripe;

unripe fruitfried green tomatoesgreen wood

Matureverb

To reach the date when payment is due

Immatureadjective

not yet mature

Matureverb

develop and reach maturity; undergo maturation;

He matured fastThe child grew fast

Immatureadjective

(of birds) not yet having developed feathers;

a small unfledged sparrow on the window sill

Matureverb

develop and work out fully in one's mind;

I need to mature my thoughts

Matureverb

become due for repayment;

These bonds mature in 2005

Matureverb

cause to ripen or develop fully;

The sun ripens the fruitAge matures a good wine

Matureverb

grow old or older;

She aged gracefullywe age every day--what a depressing thought!Young men senesce

Matureverb

cause to ripen and discharge pus;

The oil suppurates the pustules

Matureadjective

characteristic of maturity;

mature for her age

Matureadjective

fully considered and perfected;

mature plans

Matureadjective

having reached full natural growth or development;

a mature cell

Matureadjective

fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used;

ripe peachesfull-bodies mature wines

Matureadjective

(of birds) having developed feathers or plumage; often used in combination