premature
Definitions
Happening or done before the proper or expected time; too early.
过早的，仓促的，操之过急的。
(Of a baby) born before the full term of pregnancy.
（婴儿）早产的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpre- (before) + matur (ripe) = ripened before its proper time. A premature baby arrives before full term; a premature decision is made before the right moment. The word always carries a hint of "too soon, jumped the gun."
Root matur still carries 9 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.premature baby早产儿
- 2.premature birth早产
- 3.premature death英年早逝
- 4.premature conclusion过早下的结论
- 5.premature aging未老先衰
Example Sentences
- 1.
It would be premature to announce the results before all votes are counted.
- 2.
Their baby was born six weeks premature.
- 3.
Stress can lead to premature aging of the skin.
Easily Confused
premature vs early — both mean "before the usual time," but early is neutral (an early train, an early riser), while premature implies too early — before things were ready, often with a negative edge. You take an early flight by choice; a premature decision is one you regret making before the right moment.