B1noun2K

Youth

UK /["/juːθ/","/juːðz/"]/US /["/juːθ/","/juːðz/"]/

Definition

the time of life when a person is young, especially the time before a child becomes an adult

In simple words: A young person, especially a teenager or someone in their early twenties.

Examples

  • Youth is often associated with energy and enthusiasm.
  • Many countries have programs aimed at empowering youth.
  • The youth of today are more technologically savvy than previous generations.
  • During her youth, she traveled extensively around the world.
  • Youth culture plays a significant role in shaping societal trends.

Usage notes

Used generally to refer to young people. In formal contexts, it can refer to young people in social or educational discussions. Avoid using it sarcastically.

Grammar pattern

youth + object

Memory hint

Think of 'youth' as 'youthful' — both words share the idea of being young.

Collocations

  • early
  • lost
  • misspent
  • spend
  • recapture
  • relive
  • during your youth
  • from youth
  • in your youth
  • not in the first flush of youth
  • comparative
  • extreme
  • eternal
  • have
  • the fountain of youth
  • modern
  • local
  • inner-city
  • educate
  • target
  • corrupt
  • culture
  • subculture
  • centre/​center
  • the country’s youth
  • the nation’s youth
  • the youth of today
  • male
  • black
  • white
  • gang
  • group

Synonyms

  • youngster
  • teenager
  • juvenile
  • adolescent
  • young adult

Antonyms

  • age
  • maturity
  • elderliness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'young' — 'youth' is a noun, while 'young' is an adjective.
  • Overuse — don't say 'the youth' when referring to a specific person.
  • Mixing up 'youth' and 'teenager' — 'youth' can include young adults, not just teens.