Cool MateTeen
UK /["/tiː/"]/US /["/tiː/"]/
Definition
a flat area on a golf course from which players hit the ball
In simple words: A person who is between 13 and 19 years old.
Examples
- to drive off from the first tee
- a tee shot
- She wore jeans and a plain white tee.
- Her new job suits her to a T.
- The novel captures the feeling of the pre-war period to a T.
Usage notes
Use 'teen' to refer to young people in casual contexts. In formal writing or discussions, you may prefer 'adolescent' or 'teenager'.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'teen' like 'thirteen'—the first age to be a teen.
Collocations
- teen years
- teenager problems
- teen culture
Synonyms
- adolescent
- teenager
- youth
Antonyms
- adult
- child
Common mistakes
- Using 'teen' to refer to someone older than 19.
- Confusing 'teen' with 'child', as teens are usually seen as more independent.
- Using 'teen' as an adjective, while it is primarily a noun.