‘Mature’ can have several slightly different meanings. As a verb it means the process of becoming ‘ripe’ or ‘adult.’ As an adjective it means that the item or person is already ‘ripe’ or ‘adult.’

We can put the prefix ‘im’ on it and it means ‘not mature.’ We can put the prefix ‘pre’ on it and it means ‘too early’ or ‘not ready.’

When you learn new vocab, make sure that you note collocations too. For this group of words some collocations are:
maturation of
mediation session
militarised zone

Check the meanings of the words if you don’t already know them. Check the meanings of the various forms as sometimes they are different. You can check them at Time4english by clicking the words (http://www.time4english.com/aamain/lounge/awl.asp).

Vocabulary for IELTS – Academic Word List 103

Complete the sentences. Choose the correct word and then use the correct form of the word.

1. The two staff members got on much better after a ______________ session helped them to put their differences into perspective. (mediate, medium)
2. Water paints are fun, but my favourite ______________ is oil paint. (mature, medium)
3. In some countries it is compulsory for young men to spend a period of time in the _______________. (military, mediate)
4. She is only 12, but she behaves so _______________ that people mistake her for being somewhat older. (minimal, mature)
5. Recycling will only have a ______________ on the environment; we need to do a lot more. (minimal, military)

Answers (in the wrong order)
5. minimal   3. military   2. medium   1. mediation     4. maturely