Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[shvetsov2005]

In which cases would you say "ripe" and in which "mature"?

Alexander.

[mat]

Ripe is usually to do with fruit about when they are ready to eat and mature is usually to do with people growing up and gaining responsibility.
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-Mat

[alan.es]

We use ripe when:

something or a situation has developed enough so it can serve the purpose for which is intended so it will still be relatively young, fresh, juicy, full of life /opportunity/potential. However because it's young and vigorous it can also be cheeky, ireverent, lacking in sophistication, a little naughty.

We can use 'ripe' to describe young people but care is needed because it usually refers to sexual development!

We use mature when:

somebody, something or a situation has devloped fully, grown to its maximum potential, is fully formed, has acquired depth and sophistication so it's usually relatively older and more experienced. However it's reached it's best so now is the time to benefit/use/taste/admire because it can only be in this condition for a certain period of time and may be starting to look/feel/be a little past it's best - the only way is down!