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preadolescence

American  
[pree-ad-l-es-uhns] / ˌpri æd lˈɛs əns /

noun

  1. the period preceding adolescence, usually designated as the years from 10 to 13.


Etymology

Origin of preadolescence

First recorded in 1925–30; pre- + adolescence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It seems like wherever you had your developmental life preadolescence and adolescence tends to be where your thermostat is tuned."

From Salon • Sep. 11, 2023

When McEnroe launched his partnership with the Sportime Randall’s Island Tennis Center in 2010, he said he wanted to challenge the industry orthodoxy that called for full immersion in the sport from preadolescence on.

From New York Times • Sep. 4, 2013

In general, independent movies for adult audiences, with no need to pander to marketing insight, do a much better job portraying preadolescence.

From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2011

Gothel knows the secret that many American parents act out but are slow to acknowledge: that confining their teens in enforced preadolescence helps them feel younger too.

From Time • Dec. 1, 2010

The same principles should carry over into the intermediate, or preadolescence, age.

From How to Teach Religion Principles and Methods by Betts, George Herbert