Mature vs. Granny — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 12, 2024
Mature refers to someone or something fully developed in age, qualities, or physical attributes, while granny is an affectionate term for a grandmother or an older woman.
Difference Between Mature and Granny
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mature encompasses a broad range of contexts, indicating full development, whether in terms of age, emotional state, or other qualities. It suggests a level of growth or advancement that has been achieved. Whereas, granny specifically refers to a grandmother or, colloquially, to an elderly woman, conveying a familial or age-related status. This term carries an affectionate and familial connotation, often used to express a close or loving relationship.
In discussions about age or development, "mature" can be applied to both individuals and objects, indicating a state of being fully grown or developed. On the other hand, "granny" is used in a more personal and familial context, directly relating to the role within a family or used as a stereotype for older women.
While "mature" is a neutral descriptor that can be applied across various contexts, including mature content, mature markets, or mature personalities, "granny" evokes a specific image of an elderly woman with the implied characteristics of age, wisdom, and nurturing qualities.
The use of "mature" can reflect a judgment or assessment of development, not limited by familial roles or gender, making it a versatile term. Conversely, "granny" is intimately tied to the concept of family and the traditional role of a grandmother, imbued with cultural and emotional layers that "mature" lacks.
Understanding the difference between these terms helps to navigate conversations around age, development, and family roles. While "mature" provides a broad, applicable descriptor for various stages of development, "granny" offers a narrow, affectionate lens through which to view the role of an older woman within the family or society.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Fully developed in age, qualities, or attributes.
Affectionate term for a grandmother or older woman.
Context
Broad, including emotional, physical, and situational contexts.
Specific to familial roles or elderly women.
Connotation
Neutral, indicating a state of full development.
Affectionate, with implications of age and wisdom.
Application
Individuals, objects, situations.
Specifically refers to people within a familial or age context.
Implication
Growth, advancement, or maturity.
Familial relationship, age, nurturing qualities.
Compare with Definitions
Mature
Fully developed or grown.
The mature oak tree towered over the garden.
Granny
A familial term for a grandmother.
Granny baked her famous apple pie for the reunion.
Mature
Indicating the final stage of development.
He joined the company as a mature student.
Granny
Descriptive of styles associated with older women.
She wore a granny sweater knitted by her actual grandmother.
Mature
Emotionally or mentally advanced.
Her mature response to criticism was admirable.
Granny
Colloquial for items older in style.
She collected granny glasses to make a fashion statement.
Mature
Referring to a market with little growth expected.
The technology sector is now considered mature.
Granny
In reference to a nurturing figure.
She played the role of granny to all the lost kittens.
Mature
Describing elder's content.
This film is rated for mature audiences due to its themes.
Granny
Used affectionately for an older woman.
The neighborhood granny is always full of stories.
Mature
Having reached a desired or final condition; ripe
A mature cheese.
Granny
(Informal) A grandmother.
Mature
Having reached full natural growth or development
A mature cell.
Granny
(Informal) A fussy person.
Mature
Worked out fully by the mind; considered
A mature plan of action.
Granny
Southern US See granny woman.
Mature
Having reached the limit of its time; due
A mature bond.
Granny
(colloquial) A grandmother.
I'm going to be a granny.
Mature
No longer subject to great expansion or development. Used of an industry, market, or product.
Granny
An elderly woman.
There are too many grannies around here getting in the way.
Mature
(Geology) Having reached maximum development of form. Used of streams and landforms.
Granny
(knots) A granny knot.
Mature
To bring to full development; ripen.
Granny
An older ewe that may lure a lamb away from its mother.
Mature
To work out fully in the mind
"able to digest and mature my thoughts for my own mind only" (John Stuart Mill).
Granny
A grand final.
Mature
To evolve toward or reach full development
The child's judgment matures as she grows older.
Granny
(informal) typically or stereotypically old-fashioned, especially in clothing and accessories worn by or associated with elderly women.
Granny dress; granny glasses
Mature
To become due. Used of notes and bonds.
Granny
To be a grandmother.
Mature
Fully developed; grown up in terms of physical appearance, behaviour or thinking; ripe.
She is quite mature for her age.
The excellent mature eggplants grown in the garden plot are quickly being being picked up by family and friends.
Granny
To act like a stereotypical grandmother; to fuss.
Mature
Brought to a state of complete readiness.
A mature plan
Granny
A grandmother; a grandam; familiarly, an old woman.
Mature
Profound; careful.
The headmaster decided to expel the boy after a mature consideration.
Granny
The mother of your father or mother
Mature
Come to, or in a state of, completed suppuration.
Granny
An old woman
Mature
(intransitive) To proceed toward maturity: full development or completion (either of concrete or of abstract things, e.g. plans, judgments, qualities).
Granny
A reef knot crossed the wrong way and therefore insecure
Mature
To attain maturity, to become mature or ripe.
Mature
(transitive) To bring (something) to maturity, full development, or completion.
Mature
(transitive) To make (something, e.g. fruit) ripe or mature.
Mature
To proceed toward or become mature or full-grown, either physically or psychologically; to gain experience or wisdom with age.
Mature
(transitive) To make (someone) mature.
Mature
To reach the date when payment is due.
When the bond matures, the full face value is payable to its bearer.
Mature
Brought by natural process to completeness of growth and development; fitted by growth and development for any function, action, or state, appropriate to its kind; full-grown; ripe.
Now is love mature in ear.
How shall I meet, or how accost, the sage,Unskilled in speech, nor yet mature of age?
Mature
Completely worked out; fully digested or prepared; ready for action; made ready for destined application or use; perfected; as, a mature plan.
This lies glowing, . . . and is almost mature for the violent breaking out.
Mature
Of or pertaining to a condition of full development; as, a man of mature years.
Mature
Come to, or in a state of, completed suppuration.
Mature
To bring or hasten to maturity; to promote ripeness in; to ripen; to complete; as, to mature one's plans.
Mature
To advance toward maturity; to become ripe; as, wine matures by age; the judgment matures by age and experience.
Mature
Hence, to become due, as a note.
Mature
Develop and reach maturity; undergo maturation;
He matured fast
The child grew fast
Mature
Develop and work out fully in one's mind;
I need to mature my thoughts
Mature
Become due for repayment;
These bonds mature in 2005
Mature
Cause to ripen or develop fully;
The sun ripens the fruit
Age matures a good wine
Mature
Grow old or older;
She aged gracefully
We age every day--what a depressing thought!
Young men senesce
Mature
Cause to ripen and discharge pus;
The oil suppurates the pustules
Mature
Characteristic of maturity;
Mature for her age
Mature
Fully considered and perfected;
Mature plans
Mature
Having reached full natural growth or development;
A mature cell
Mature
Fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used;
Ripe peaches
Full-bodies mature wines
Mature
(of birds) having developed feathers or plumage; often used in combination
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when something is described as mature?
It means that the subject is fully developed or grown, whether in physical, emotional, or another context.
Can "granny" be used for anyone other than a grandmother?
Yes, it's also used affectionately for older women or to describe items or styles associated with elderly femininity.
Why is "granny" used affectionately?
It conveys warmth, familiarity, and respect for the elder women within a family or community.
Is "mature" always a positive description?
While often positive, it can be neutral, simply describing a state of being fully developed without implying good or bad.
Do "mature" and "granny" have similar meanings in any context?
Not directly; "mature" is broad and neutral, while "granny" is specific and affectionate, though both can relate to age.
Is it disrespectful to call someone "granny"?
Context matters; it's affectionate within families but can be seen as derogatory if used to stereotype or diminish someone's age.
Can businesses or products be considered mature?
Yes, when they've reached a stage of maximum growth or development.
Can a man be described as "mature"?
Yes, "mature" can apply to anyone or anything that has reached full development.
What distinguishes a mature market?
A mature market is characterized by slower growth, stability, and established competition.
Why might someone prefer the term "granny" over "grandmother"?
It's often seen as more endearing or informal, reflecting a closer, more personal relationship.
What might "granny style" imply in fashion?
It refers to styles or items that are traditionally associated with older women, often with a retro or vintage appeal.
Is being mature the same as being old?
No, maturity refers to development and growth, while being old is strictly related to age.
How is "mature" used in education or professional development?
It can describe students or professionals who enter or progress in their fields at a later stage of life, emphasizing their advanced development.
How does the term "granny" reflect societal views on aging?
It embodies a mix of respect, affection, and stereotypical views of elderly women as nurturing and wise.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
