Elder: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is older, often in relation to another person. This word can also refer to someone with a more advanced position or great respect, such as a community elder.

• My elder brother is already in college.
• The village elder gave advice to the younger generations.

A general term used to indicate someone who has lived more years than someone else. It can refer to both people and objects.

• My older sister is visiting us this weekend.
• This is an older model of the smartphone.

Used to describe someone who has a high rank or is older, usually in a formal or professional context. It can also refer to someone in their final year of high school or college.

• He is a senior executive in the company.
• She is a senior this year and will graduate in June.

Used in professional or hierarchical contexts to indicate someone with higher rank, longer service, or more experience. It is not typically used to describe age directly.

• She is more senior than him in the company hierarchy.
• The more senior staff members have additional responsibilities.

This word can also mean someone who is older in comparison, without necessarily implying authority or respect.

• My elder brother and I used to play soccer in the backyard.
• In the company, she's an elder member of the team.

Used to refer to someone who is older in age, often in professional, academic, or formal settings. It can also describe someone in a higher position or with more experience.

• She was promoted to a senior manager due to her years of experience.
• In many cultures, seniors play a crucial role in guiding the younger generation.

Refers to a man who is the head of a family or group, often carrying connotations of authority and leadership. It similarly implies respect and honor.

• The family looked up to him as the patriarch who kept traditions alive.
• After his father passed away, he became the new patriarch of the clan.

Refers to a woman who is the head of a family or group, often with authority and leadership. It typically implies respect and admiration.

• Grandma is the matriarch of our family and everyone seeks her advice.
• As the matriarch, she decided how the inheritance would be distributed.