Biologically, an
adult is a
human being or other
organism that has reached
sexual maturity. In human context, the term
adult additionally has meanings associated with
social and
legal concepts. In contrast to a "
minor", a
legal adult is a
person who has attained the
age of majority and is therefore regarded as independent,
self-sufficient, and . Human adulthood encompasses
psychological adult development. Definitions of adulthood are often inconsistent and contradictory; a person may be biologically an adult, and have adult behavior but still be treated as a child if they are under the legal age of majority. Conversely, one may legally be an adult but possess none of the
maturity and responsibility that may define an adult character.