youth
B1neutral
Definition
Meaning
the period of life between childhood and adulthood; the state of being young
a young person (especially a young man); young people collectively; the qualities of being young such as vigor, freshness, or enthusiasm
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can be countable (referring to individuals) or uncountable (referring to the concept or collective group). As a countable noun, it often has a slightly dated or formal feel when referring to a person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Youth' as a countable noun for a young person may sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, the collective sense often carries connotations of potential, energy, or sometimes trouble. The phrase 'youth culture' is common.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English in institutional names (e.g., 'Youth Hostel Association', 'Youth Club').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
in one's youththe youth of todaya youth of sixteenfor the youthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Fountain of youth”
- “Wasted youth”
- “Youth is wasted on the young”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in 'youth market' or discussing demographics.
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, and demography (e.g., 'studies on youth development').
Everyday
Common when talking about age periods, groups of young people, or reminiscing.
Technical
Used in social work, policy-making, and education sectors with specific definitions (e.g., 'youth services').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He played football a lot in his youth.
- The youth centre is near the park.
- She spent her youth travelling around Europe.
- The government launched a new programme for unemployed youth.
- The film captures the restless energy of contemporary youth culture.
- Many of the town's problems were blamed on disaffected youth.
- His polemic argued that the nation was squandering the potential of its youth through systemic underinvestment.
- The anthropological study focused on the ritualised transition from youth to adulthood in the community.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'YOU' + 'TH' (as in 'truth'). The 'truth' about 'you' when you are young.
Conceptual Metaphor
YOUTH IS A RESOURCE (to be invested), YOUTH IS A JOURNEY (through time), YOUTH IS ENERGY (to be channeled).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'юность' (which is more abstract/poetic) vs. 'молодёжь' (the collective). 'Youth' as a person is closer to 'парень' or 'молодой человек', but can sound formal.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'youths' as the only plural (both 'youth' and 'youths' are correct for the collective sense). Confusing 'youth' (uncountable concept) with 'a youth' (countable person).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase best describes the collective meaning of 'youth'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral, but context gives it positive (energy, potential) or negative (inexperience, trouble) connotations.
Both 'youth' (uncountable collective) and 'youths' (countable, referring to several young individuals) are correct.
Yes, but as a countable noun ('a youth'), it is more commonly used for males. For females, 'young woman' is more typical. The uncountable form applies to all genders.
'Youth' is broader, encompassing late childhood to early adulthood, and can be abstract. 'Teenager' specifically refers to ages 13-19 and is always a countable noun for a person.