young - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
young Word Meanings
- having lived or existed for only a short time
- not yet mature or fully grown
- relatively new or recent
young Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
young Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/jʌŋ/
US
/jʌŋ/
young Word Etymology
Young is derived from the Old English 'geong', which means 'young or youthful'. Imagine a young sapling stretching towards the sunlight, vibrant and full of potential, symbolizing the freshness and energy of youth.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lift a small seedling from its tray and move the pot toward the sun, hands steady. I adjust its angle as the light shifts, hold the stem gently, then set it back in place. Its leaves stay soft and small, and it looks almost new, a young thing learning what to be. Watching it stretch toward the light, I feel how a moment can feel fresh and changing, and how that echoes in the way we use the word young.
Real Context
Young describes someone or something at an early stage of life or development. In everyday speech, young can refer to people who are not yet adults, such as a young child or a young adult, but it can also describe non-living things that are new or not fully formed, like a young tree or a young idea. The word carries connotations of energy, potential, and growth, rather than simply age. Learners often confuse young with 'new' or with 'fresh', since both imply recent origin, yet young focuses on stage of life or development. Pay attention to collocations: a young boy, a young generation, a young wine vs. old wine. Watch for context to avoid insulting or diminishing someone.
Usage Reminders
- Use young before a noun to describe a stage of life, or after to describe a current state.
- Know common collocations: young child, young adult, young generation, young tree, young idea.
- Don’t assume young always means new; context matters.
- Younger and youngest are the comparative forms you’ll need for comparisons.
- Be mindful of tone: 'the young' can refer to a group, but may sound odd if overgeneralized.
Common Misconceptions
- Young and new are interchangeable in all contexts.
- Young always means immature or inexperienced.
- You can use young for any animal or object regardless of context.
- The phrase 'the young' always refers to all young people equally.
- Young is the opposite of old in every situation.
Thinking Differences
Young in English covers age, developmental stage, and novelty, with strong emphasis on potential and energy; learners often overapply 'new' or misapply to adults or non-human objects.
Learning Tips
- Learn key collocations: young child, young adult, young generation, young tree, young idea, young wine.
- Use younger/youngest for direct comparisons.
- Differentiate young from 'new' by checking whether it concerns age/stage or novelty.
- Practice with people: talk about ages and stages (childhood, adolescence, early adulthood).
- Test with nonliving things to describe development (a young plant, a young project).
- Watch tone: avoid implying immaturity when describing adults.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'young' used correctly?
A.I am feeling old today.
B.She bought a young dress for the party.
C.The young man ran a marathon.
D.The old woman adopted a young puppy.
Step 3: Similar Words
Choose the word most similar to 'young'.
A.Strong
B.Small
C.New
D.Quiet
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which phrase below uses the word 'young' in a real-life context?
A.The ancient city had many young buildings.
B.The old tree was surrounded by young birds.
C.She hired a young babysitter for her children.
D.I prefer young coffee in the mornings.
Step 5: Mastery
Describe a situation where being 'young' would be an advantage.
A.Traveling around the world
B.Starting a retirement fund
C.Playing professional football
D.Teaching a group of seniors
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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