Words / C1

JOOV-uh-nyl/ˈdʒuːvənaɪl/

Juvenile as an adjective means of young people (juvenile court, juvenile records) or, disapprovingly, childish: juvenile behaviour. Young is everyday; childish is the insult twin. A juvenile can be a noun for a young offender in legal English. Do not file adult medical data as “juvenile humour”.

Meaning

Relating to young people; also childish in a disapproving way.

Examples

• “Juvenile records are sealed; a “fun” leak is still a breach.”
• “Young is everyday. Childish is the insult. Youth is a noun for the period. Legal juvenile is a category with protections. Adult sarcasm is not juvenile in the court sense.”

Good to know

Of young people; also childish. Everyday: young. Insult: childish. Legal noun: a juvenile. Protections are not a joke.

Near in meaning

young

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