mindmap root((成熟)) mature stresses completion of development; when applied to persons it implies attainment of the prime of life and powers: a writer with a deft, ~ style; whereas in application to things it is more likely to imply completion of a course, process, or period: reinvested the ~d bonds. ripe stresses readiness as for use, enjoyment, or action: a people ~ for democracy. adult is very close to mature, especially when applied to living things; in extended use it is likely to imply successful surmounting of the weakness of immaturity: an ~ approach to a problem. grown-up may be preferred to adult when an antithesis to childish is desired: adults incapable of ~ behavior.