Cool MateMature vs Stop being a kid
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Mature
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
Stop being a kid
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: MatureMost common: Mature
| Mature | Stop being a kid | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //məˈtjʊə//🇺🇸 //məˈtʃʊr// | 🇬🇧 //stɒp ˈbiːɪŋ ə kɪd//🇺🇸 //stɑp ˈbiɪŋ ə kɪd// |
| Meaning | Fully grown or developed. | Don't act childish or immature. |
| Example | He is a very mature individual for his age. | You need to stop being a kid and take responsibility. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | mature audience, mature relationship, mature decisions, mature tree, mature products | stop being childish, stop acting immature, stop fooling around |
| Antonyms | immature, undeveloped, young | Keep being a kid, Act childish, Remain immature |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'immature' for opposites., Using 'mature' for young people or animals., Omitting the context when 'mature' implies wisdom. | Using 'stop being child' instead of 'stop being a kid'., 'Stop acting like a kid' is sometimes preferred but changes nuance., Omitting 'a' makes the phrase awkward. |
| Usage notes | Use 'mature' to describe fully developed people, animals, or things. Avoid using it to describe young subjects. | Used in casual conversations, often to tell someone to mature. May be considered rude if said harshly. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Mature vs Stop being a kid
What's the difference between Mature and Stop being a kid?
Mature: Fully grown or developed. Stop being a kid: Don't act childish or immature.
Which is more formal: Mature and Stop being a kid?
Mature is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Mature and Stop being a kid?
Mature is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Mature: He is a very mature individual for his age. Stop being a kid: You need to stop being a kid and take responsibility.
Can I use Mature and Stop being a kid interchangeably?
Not always. Mature and Stop being a kid are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.