ενηλικιωθούν
Wordform Details
Translation: come of agebecome adultsmature
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralaoristpassivesubjunctiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ενηλικιώνομαι
Translation: to come of age; to reach adulthood; to mature; to become an adult (verb)
Etymology: From ancient Greek ἡλικία (helikia) meaning 'age' or 'time of life', combined with the prefix ἐν- (en-) meaning 'in' or 'into'. The root ἡλικία is related to ἥλιος (helios) 'sun', suggesting the passage of time marked by the sun's cycles. This connection to solar cycles and time passage makes it cognate with English 'heliacal' (relating to the sun). The verb form with -ώνομαι ending indicates a reflexive process of becoming, emphasizing that maturation is an internal transformation rather than something done to oneself.
Mnemonics
- Think 'en-HEAL-ik' - entering the age where you can heal yourself (be independent)
- Remember 'helios' (sun) - like the sun rising to mark a new day of adulthood
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Used primarily in legal, psychological, or formal contexts when discussing the transition from childhood to legal adulthood. Often appears in academic texts, legal documents, or formal discussions about human development.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: ωριμάζω refers to general maturation (physical, mental, emotional), while ενηλικιώνομαι specifically refers to reaching legal/social adulthood
Confused word:
Τα φρούτα ωρίμασαν στον ήλιο.
The fruits ripened in the sun.
Notes: ενηλικιώνομαι is more formal and specific to human legal/social development
Mnemonic: ενηλικιώνομαι = legal adult status, ωριμάζω = ripening like fruit