Older Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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older
[ˈəʊldə ]
Definitions
age
Comparative of old, of or relating to advanced years or age
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| older |
Generally used to refer to someone who has lived for more years than someone else. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| elder |
Often used to describe someone who has more authority or respect due to their age, often within a family or community. It is usually more formal.
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| senior |
Primarily used to describe someone who is older in age, position, or rank, often within a professional or organizational hierarchy. It can also refer to elderly people in a respectful manner.
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| more mature |
Used when referring to someone's behavior, character, or emotional development rather than their physical age. It indicates a higher level of maturity and is neutral to positive in tone.
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Examples of usage
- He is getting older and wiser.
- With each passing year, she grew older and more experienced.
- The older generation often has valuable insights to share.
family
A person who is older than another
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| older |
Used to compare the age of one person or thing with another, usually in a neutral or positive context.
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| elder |
Typically used to refer to people, often in a respectful manner, indicating that someone is senior in age, experience, or rank. Most commonly used in familial or tribal contexts.
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| senior |
Often used in formal or professional settings to indicate someone with higher rank, status, or age, but can be used in a neutral or respectful manner.
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| senior member |
Specific to group or organization contexts, used to describe a person who holds a higher rank or has been part of the group for a long time.
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Examples of usage
- She always looked up to her older sister.
- The older in the family usually takes care of the younger ones.
- He is considered the older of the two siblings.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that as people get older, they often become better at managing stress and understanding emotional situations.
- Older individuals tend to have more life experience, which can lead to greater resilience and perspective.
- Cognitive decline is a common fear, but many studies highlight that older adults often excel in areas like vocabulary and decision-making.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, older generations are revered, celebrated for their wisdom and experience.
- Some societies emphasize age through rites of passage that mark the transition into older adulthood.
- The aging population is growing globally, prompting discussions about the role of older adults in society.
Literature
- In literature, older characters often embody wisdom and guidance, acting as mentors to younger protagonists.
- Classic tales often juxtapose the 'old guard' against new ideas, showcasing the tension between tradition and change.
- Poets frequently reflect on the theme of aging, exploring the beauty and complexity of growing older.
Health
- As people age, they may experience changes in physical and mental health, prompting a need for adaptive strategies.
- Healthy aging emphasizes the importance of nutrition, exercise, and social connections.
- Innovations in medical science continue to enhance the quality of life for older adults, allowing them to thrive well into their senior years.
Origin of 'older'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'older' comes from the Old English word 'oldra', which means more of age.
- It is connected to the Proto-Germanic word 'aldiz', highlighting the historical roots linked to age and wisdom.
- In many languages, the notion of age can imply wisdom, reflecting cultural values around elderly figures.
The word 'older' has Old English origins, with its roots in the word 'eald,' meaning 'old.' Over time, the comparative form 'older' developed to indicate a comparison between two ages or time periods. The concept of age and seniority has played a significant role in human societies throughout history, leading to the usage of 'older' to distinguish between individuals based on their age or experience.