Maturity vs. Mature — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
Maturity refers to the state of being fully developed or ripe, often used figuratively for mental, emotional, or spiritual development; mature describes something or someone that has reached full development.
Difference Between Maturity and Mature
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Maturity encompasses a broad and often abstract concept of full development, which can be emotional, physical, intellectual, or spiritual. Whereas mature is an adjective describing the quality or state of being mature, such as in age, qualities, or manners.
In psychological terms, maturity is associated with the ability to respond to situations or environments in an appropriate manner. On the other hand, someone who is mature displays this ability consistently, showing wisdom and emotional stability in their decisions.
Maturity often implies a process or journey towards a state of completeness. While being mature indicates that an individual or entity has already arrived at this state, often observed through behavior or thought processes.
In the context of finance or business, maturity refers to the point in time when a financial instrument becomes due for payment or reaches its full potential in value. Whereas a mature market or economy describes one that has reached maximum growth and shows little potential for further expansion.
In the biological sciences, maturity can denote the stage of full development in organisms, systems, or cells. Whereas a mature organism exhibits characteristics that signify it has passed the developmental phases and is now fully grown.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
State of being fully developed
Having reached an advanced stage of growth
Usage
Noun
Adjective
Contexts
Emotional, intellectual, spiritual, physical development
Description of age, behavior, markets, organisms
Connotation
Process-oriented, holistic
State-specific, outcome-focused
Examples in Sentences
Maturity is essential for effective leadership.
He is mature enough to handle the situation.
Compare with Definitions
Maturity
The state of being fully developed in body or mind.
Maturity is often seen as a prerequisite for certain roles and responsibilities.
Mature
Pertaining to a late stage in the lifecycle of products or technologies.
Mature technologies often face challenges from newer innovations.
Maturity
The achievement of maximum potential in growth and development.
The maturity of the software product was evident in its robust performance.
Mature
Fully developed physically; having reached the most advanced stage.
The mature oak tree towered over the saplings.
Maturity
Emotional and intellectual development appropriate to a specific age.
His maturity was noticeable in his thoughtful responses.
Mature
Showing the mental and emotional qualities of an adult.
Her mature decision-making impressed her colleagues.
Maturity
The time when a financial obligation must be fulfilled.
The bond reached maturity and was cashed in by the investor.
Mature
Used to describe financial markets or economies with little growth potential.
The mature European markets are highly competitive.
Maturity
The stage at which fruit or another product is ready to be eaten or used.
The maturity of the cheese affects its flavor.
Mature
Relating to films, content meant for adults, not suitable for children.
The film is rated as mature due to explicit content.
Maturity
The state or quality of being mature.
Mature
Having reached full natural growth or development
A mature cell.
Maturity
The time at which a note or bond is due.
Mature
Having reached a desired or final condition; ripe
A mature cheese.
Maturity
The state of a note or bond being due.
Mature
Worked out fully by the mind; considered
A mature plan of action.
Maturity
(Geology) A stage in the development of streams or landscapes at which maximum development has been reached or at which the process of erosion is going on with maximum vigor. Maturity of a landscape continues throughout the period of maximum topographic differentiation or until about three fourths of the original mass is carried away by erosion.
Mature
Having reached the limit of its time; due
A mature bond.
Maturity
The state of being mature, ready or ripe. prime state of productibility and self expression.
Some foods and drinks, like wine, only reach their full taste at maturity, which literally comes at a price.
The ability to take responsibility is a sign of maturity.
Mature
No longer subject to great expansion or development. Used of an industry, market, or product.
Maturity
The state of a debt obligation at the end of the term of maturation thereof, once all interest and any applicable fees have accrued to the principal.
Mature
(Geology) Having reached maximum development of form. Used of streams and landforms.
Maturity
Date when payment is due.
The note was cashed at maturity.
Mature
To bring to full development; ripen.
Maturity
The state or quality of being mature; ripeness; full development; as, the maturity of corn or of grass; maturity of judgment; the maturity of a plan.
Mature
To work out fully in the mind
"able to digest and mature my thoughts for my own mind only" (John Stuart Mill).
Maturity
Arrival of the time fixed for payment; a becoming due; termination of the period a note, etc., has to run.
Mature
To evolve toward or reach full development
The child's judgment matures as she grows older.
Maturity
The period of time in your life after your physical growth has stopped and you are fully developed
Mature
To become due. Used of notes and bonds.
Maturity
State of being mature; full development
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.
Maturity
The date on which a financial obligation must be repaid
Mature
Brought to a state of complete readiness.
A mature plan
Mature
Profound; careful.
The headmaster decided to expel the boy after a mature consideration.
Mature
Come to, or in a state of, completed suppuration.
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
What is the primary difference between maturity and mature?
Maturity is a state or condition of being fully developed, whereas mature is an adjective describing something or someone as fully developed.
Why is maturity important in the workplace?
Maturity in the workplace is crucial for making responsible decisions and managing relationships effectively.
Can a young person be considered mature?
Yes, if they display advanced emotional or intellectual development for their age, they can be considered mature.
Can maturity be measured?
Maturity can often be assessed through behavior and decision-making processes, though it is largely subjective.
Does mature always refer to age?
No, mature can also refer to emotional, intellectual development, or the development stage of markets and technologies.
What does a mature economy mean?
A mature economy is characterized by low growth rates and stability rather than rapid expansion.
Can maturity be accelerated?
Experiences and education can accelerate maturity, but it largely depends on individual growth patterns.
How does maturity affect leadership?
Maturity influences leadership by enhancing decision-making, empathy, and responsibility.
Is maturity the same in all cultures?
Concepts of maturity can vary significantly across different cultures and contexts.
What role does maturity play in education?
Maturity is important in education for focus, discipline, and understanding complex concepts.
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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.
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.
