From Latin 'maturus' (ripe, timely), from PIE *meh2- (good, at the right time) — ripeness linked to punctuality.
Definition
Fully developed physically or mentally; having reached an advanced stage of growth or development.
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Latin15th centurywell-attested
From Latin 'mātūrus' (ripe, timely, seasonable, early — said of fruit, crops, decisions, and persons of full development), from a root possibly connected to PIE *meh₂- (good, timely, in good time, at the right season). The most compelling etymology links 'mātūrus' to Latin 'māne' (in the morning, early in the day), suggesting a root sense of 'coming at the right moment' or 'arriving in good time.' The Italic goddess 'Mātūta' (goddess of the dawn, of harbours, of the morning — identified with the Greek
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Latin 'mātūrus' meant both 'ripe' and 'early, timely,' which seems contradictory — ripeness implieslateness, not earliness. The resolution lies in the agricultural calendar: a crop that ripened 'on time' or even early was considered ideal. The samerootmay connect to 'Mātūta,' the Roman goddess of
as its close synonym). 'Premature' (from Latin 'praemātūrus,' before the right time) preserves the temporal dimension most clearly. The derived noun 'maturity' and the verb 'mature' (to ripen, to reach full development) entered English in the 16th century. 'Immature' (not yet arrived at the right time) completed the semantic field. Key roots: *meh₂- (Proto-Indo-European: "good, timely, at the right moment").