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Senile: meaning, definitions and examples

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senile

 

[ ˈsɛn.aɪl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

age-related decline

Senile describes a decline in mental or physical functioning associated with old age. It can refer to a state of deterioration in cognitive abilities, such as memory and judgment, that occurs in some elderly individuals. The term is often associated with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Synonyms

aged, decrepit, doddering, geriatric

Examples of usage

  • His senile behavior worried his family.
  • She exhibited senile symptoms at an early age.
  • The senile man forgot where he placed his keys.
  • Doctors diagnosed her with senile dementia.

Translations

Translations of the word "senile" in other languages:

🇵🇹 senil

🇮🇳 वृद्धावस्था से संबंधित

🇩🇪 senil

🇮🇩 senil

🇺🇦 сенільний

🇵🇱 senilny

🇯🇵 老年の

🇫🇷 sénile

🇪🇸 senil

🇹🇷 yaşlı

🇰🇷 노인의

🇸🇦 شيخوخة

🇨🇿 senilní

🇸🇰 senilný

🇨🇳 老年的

🇸🇮 senilen

🇮🇸 öldrun

🇰🇿 кәрі

🇬🇪 სისუსტე

🇦🇿 yaşlı

🇲🇽 senil

Word origin

The term 'senile' originates from the Latin word 'senilis', meaning 'of old age'. This Latin root comes from 'senex', which directly translates to 'old man' or 'old'. The usage of the word in English dates back to the late 14th century, where it was used to describe the behaviors and conditions associated with advanced age. Over time, the definition of 'senile' has evolved, yet it often carries a connotation of mental decline or diminished abilities, frequently linked to age-related diseases. The medical terminology has seen a shift, with 'senile' being used more cautiously due to its potentially pejorative implications, leading to the preference for terms like 'age-related' or specific diagnoses related to cognitive impairment.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,070, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.