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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.

See Examples For:

Even among conservatories, it is exceptional, with a wide age range — from preadolescence to post-baccalaureate adulthood — and a personalized approach, of schedules and repertoire, for musicians who live almost entirely for their art.

From New York Times Jun. 4, 2024

"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

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

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