Mature vs. Matured — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 3, 2024
Mature refers to something or someone fully developed, while matured describes the process or result of becoming mature.
Difference Between Mature and Matured
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mature is often used to describe someone or something that has reached a full level of development, either physically, emotionally, or intellectually. It implies a state of being that denotes completeness and readiness. For instance, a mature person is expected to exhibit qualities such as emotional stability and wisdom. On the other hand, matured is the past participle of the verb "mature," indicating the process or result of reaching maturity. This can apply to various contexts, such as a matured cheese, which has gone through a specific aging process to develop its flavors.
In the context of personal growth, to be mature is to have achieved a level of emotional and psychological development that enables one to respond to situations with wisdom and responsibility. Whereas, when someone has matured, it highlights the journey or transformation they have undergone to reach that state of maturity. It suggests a progression from a less developed state to a more developed one, emphasizing the changes and experiences that contribute to one's maturity.
Mature can also refer to ideas, plans, or products that are well-thought-out and fully developed, ready to be implemented or used. It implies a sense of readiness and completion. Conversely, when something has matured, it indicates that it has undergone a process of development and refinement over time. This can refer to financial investments that have reached their full value or to plans that have been thoroughly considered and are now ready to be executed.
In the biological and ecological sense, mature describes organisms or ecosystems that have reached the peak of their development. For example, a mature forest is one that has developed fully, with a complex structure and biodiversity. On the flip side, when we say an ecosystem has matured, we're referring to the dynamic process it has undergone to reach its current state, highlighting the progression and series of changes over time.
While mature encapsulates a state of being that signifies full development and readiness, matured focuses on the journey or process that leads to achieving such a state. The former is static, denoting a current condition, while the latter is dynamic, emphasizing the transition from one state to another.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Describes a state of full development or completeness.
Indicates the process or result of becoming mature.
Usage
Adjective describing a state.
Past participle of "mature," used as a verb or adjective.
Context
Can apply to individuals, ideas, or natural phenomena.
Often implies a change or development over time.
Implication
Readiness and full development.
Transition and growth towards maturity.
Focus
The current state of being developed.
The process or journey towards becoming developed.
Compare with Definitions
Mature
Fully developed in body or mind.
She is mature for her age.
Matured
Grown up emotionally or mentally.
He matured a lot during his first year of college.
Mature
Ready for use or consumption.
The mature wine was opened for the celebration.
Matured
Reached the stage of full development.
The investment matured, yielding high returns.
Mature
Fully grown or developed plants or animals.
The mature oak tree stood tall in the forest.
Matured
Developed to a desired state.
The cheese had matured perfectly.
Mature
Ideas or plans that are well-thought-out.
His mature plan was immediately effective.
Matured
Increased in depth or complexity.
Her artistic skills have matured significantly.
Mature
Exhibiting characteristics typical of adulthood.
His mature decision was respected by all.
Matured
Completed the aging process.
The whiskey has matured for twelve years.
Mature
Having reached full natural growth or development
A mature cell.
Matured
Having reached full natural growth or development
A mature cell.
Mature
Having reached a desired or final condition; ripe
A mature cheese.
Matured
Having reached a desired or final condition; ripe
A mature cheese.
Mature
Worked out fully by the mind; considered
A mature plan of action.
Matured
Worked out fully by the mind; considered
A mature plan of action.
Mature
Having reached the limit of its time; due
A mature bond.
Matured
Having reached the limit of its time; due
A mature bond.
Mature
No longer subject to great expansion or development. Used of an industry, market, or product.
Matured
No longer subject to great expansion or development. Used of an industry, market, or product.
Mature
(Geology) Having reached maximum development of form. Used of streams and landforms.
Matured
(Geology) Having reached maximum development of form. Used of streams and landforms.
Mature
To bring to full development; ripen.
Matured
To bring to full development; ripen.
Mature
To work out fully in the mind
"able to digest and mature my thoughts for my own mind only" (John Stuart Mill).
Matured
To work out fully in the mind
"able to digest and mature my thoughts for my own mind only" (John Stuart Mill).
Mature
To evolve toward or reach full development
The child's judgment matures as she grows older.
Matured
To evolve toward or reach full development
The child's judgment matures as she grows older.
Mature
To become due. Used of notes and bonds.
Matured
To become due. Used of notes and bonds.
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.
Matured
Simple past tense and past participle of mature
Mature
Brought to a state of complete readiness.
A mature plan
Matured
Fully grown.
Mature
Profound; careful.
The headmaster decided to expel the boy after a mature consideration.
Matured
Fully ripe; at the height of bloom;
A full-blown rose
Mature
Come to, or in a state of, completed suppuration.
Matured
Fully considered and perfected;
Mature plans
Mature
(intransitive) To proceed toward maturity: full development or completion (either of concrete or of abstract things, e.g. plans, judgments, qualities).
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
Is maturity the same in all contexts?
No, maturity can vary significantly across different contexts, including emotional, physical, intellectual, or ecological.
Can ideas or plans mature?
Yes, ideas or plans can mature, meaning they have been fully developed and are ready for implementation.
What does it mean for a person to be mature?
A mature person exhibits emotional stability, wisdom, and the ability to handle situations responsibly.
How is maturity measured?
Maturity isn't easily measured as it encompasses various aspects of development, often assessed through behavior, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
How can one tell if something has matured?
Something has matured if it has undergone development or aging to reach its full potential or desired state.
Does matured imply a finished process?
Yes, matured implies that a process of development or aging has been completed, reaching a state of maturity.
Can maturity be accelerated?
While certain experiences can stimulate growth, genuine maturity often requires time and a natural process of learning and development.
What is the difference between being mature and having matured?
Being mature refers to a current state of development, while having matured emphasizes the process or transformation undergone to reach that state.
Is emotional maturity different from intellectual maturity?
Yes, emotional maturity involves the ability to manage emotions and relationships, whereas intellectual maturity relates to cognitive development and understanding.
How does one achieve maturity?
Achieving maturity typically involves a combination of experiences, self-reflection, and learning, contributing to personal growth over time.
What impacts an individual's maturity?
Factors like life experiences, education, personal values, and social interactions significantly impact an individual's maturity.
Why is maturity valued in society?
Maturity is valued for its association with responsibility, wisdom, and the ability to contribute positively to society and interpersonal relationships.
What role does age play in maturity?
Age can influence maturity, but it's not the sole determinant; experiences, personal growth, and emotional development are also key factors.
Can a person be mature in one aspect but not another?
Yes, individuals can exhibit maturity in certain areas, such as intellectually, while still developing in others, like emotionally.
Can maturity be taught?
While certain aspects of maturity can be encouraged and nurtured, much of it comes from personal growth and experiences.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
