Aged: meaning, definitions and examples

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aged

[ˈeɪdʒd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

person

having lived for a long time; old

Synonyms

elderly, old, senior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aged	Describing someone who is very old in a formal or literary context; often used in official documents or descriptions. The aged professor shared his wisdom with the younger students
old	A general term that can describe anyone who has lived for many years; can sometimes be considered rude if not used carefully. The old man sat on the bench, feeding the birds
elderly	Used to refer to older adults in a respectful and polite manner; often used in healthcare and social services contexts. The hospital has a special ward for elderly patients
senior	Mostly used to describe older adults in a respectful way, often in contexts related to benefits, status, or social categorization. Seniors are eligible for discounts at the local community center

Examples of usage

an aged man
aged cheese is more flavorful

^{Context #2 | Verb}

wine

having been matured or stored for a period of time

Synonyms

matured, vintage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aged	Can also refer to something that has been left to improve over time, such as cheese or wine. This aged cheese has a strong and rich flavor.
matured	Often used to describe things that have reached full development or optimal condition, typically after a period of growth or aging, especially for wines, cheeses, and people in terms of emotional or intellectual development. Over the years, he has matured into a responsible adult. The wine has matured perfectly and is ready to be served.
vintage	Commonly associated with high-quality items from the past, especially wines or fashion items, indicating they are from a particular year or era and often valued because of their age. She wore a beautiful vintage dress from the 1920s. This wine is of an excellent vintage and is highly sought after.

Word

Description / Examples

aged

Can also refer to something that has been left to improve over time, such as cheese or wine.

This aged cheese has a strong and rich flavor.

matured

Often used to describe things that have reached full development or optimal condition, typically after a period of growth or aging, especially for wines, cheeses, and people in terms of emotional or intellectual development.

Over the years, he has matured into a responsible adult.
The wine has matured perfectly and is ready to be served.

vintage

Commonly associated with high-quality items from the past, especially wines or fashion items, indicating they are from a particular year or era and often valued because of their age.

She wore a beautiful vintage dress from the 1920s.
This wine is of an excellent vintage and is highly sought after.

Examples of usage

aged wine
aged whiskey has a smoother taste

^{Context #3 | Noun}

person

an old person

Synonyms

elderly, senior citizen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aged	This term is often used in a formal or technical context to describe someone who is quite old. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation. The aged population requires special healthcare services. Programs for the aged are increasing in number.
elderly	This word is suitable in both formal and informal contexts. It is respectful and used to refer to older adults, often those past retirement age. The elderly man went for his morning walk. Elderly people should be cherished and respected.
senior citizen	This is a polite and common term used to describe someone, usually 65 years or older, who is retired. It is often used in official contexts or when discussing benefits and services for older adults. The senior citizens in the community have a special discount at the local store. She teaches a computer class for senior citizens.

Word

Description / Examples

aged

This term is often used in a formal or technical context to describe someone who is quite old. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

The aged population requires special healthcare services.
Programs for the aged are increasing in number.

elderly

This word is suitable in both formal and informal contexts. It is respectful and used to refer to older adults, often those past retirement age.

The elderly man went for his morning walk.
Elderly people should be cherished and respected.

senior citizen

This is a polite and common term used to describe someone, usually 65 years or older, who is retired. It is often used in official contexts or when discussing benefits and services for older adults.

The senior citizens in the community have a special discount at the local store.
She teaches a computer class for senior citizens.

Examples of usage

the aged in our society need our support
the aged often have a lot of wisdom to share

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'age', which means 'a period of time'.
In Middle English, 'aged' referred to someone not just old in years, but wise due to their experiences.
The word has evolved to denote both age in years and the quality that comes with it, especially in products like food and drink.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, older individuals are respected for their wisdom and life experiences.
Age is often associated with milestones like retirement, which can bring both freedom and challenges.
Different societies have varying views on aging, with some cultures celebrating age through festivals and others focusing on youth.

Science

Research shows that our brains can remain plastic, or capable of change, regardless of age, debunking myths about cognitive decline.
The aging process in humans is marked by both biological changes and societal perceptions that shape lifestyle and health.
Studies indicate that social connections play a crucial role in the aging process, impacting well-being and longevity.

Art and Literature

Authors like Ernest Hemingway and Gabriel García Márquez have explored themes of aging in their works, often reflecting on the bittersweet nature of growing older.
In paintings, aging is often symbolized through images of decay or the passing of time, like autumn leaves or wilting flowers.
Classical literature frequently contrasts youth and age, highlighting the tension between vitality and the inevitable decline.

Psychology

Many people experience a midlife crisis as they confront aging, often reassessing goals and desires.
Positive psychology suggests that older adults can have high levels of happiness, sometimes more than younger individuals.
Age-related stereotypes can shape self-perception and influence how individuals experience their own aging process.

Translations

Translations of the word "aged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 envelhecido

🇮🇳 वृद्ध

🇩🇪 gealtert

🇮🇩 tua

🇺🇦 старий

🇵🇱 stary

🇯🇵 年老いた

🇫🇷 âgé

🇪🇸 envejecido

🇹🇷 yaşlı

🇰🇷 나이든

🇸🇦 مسن

🇨🇿 starý

🇸🇰 starý

🇨🇳 老

🇸🇮 star

🇮🇸 aldraður

🇰🇿 кәрі

🇬🇪 მოხუცი

🇦🇿 yaşlı

🇲🇽 envejecido

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,657, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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