Senility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
senility
[sษชหnษชlษชti ]
Definitions
mental health
The condition of being senile, especially the weakening of mental faculties and memory due to old age.
Synonyms
decline in cognitive function, dementia, forgetfulness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| senility |
Primarily refers to the physical and mental decline related to aging, often describing an elderly person who is showing signs of old age.
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| dementia |
A medical term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Often used in clinical or serious discussions.
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| forgetfulness |
Casual term often used to describe minor, everyday lapses in memory. It is not necessarily linked to serious health conditions.
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| decline in cognitive function |
Used in medical or formal contexts to describe the general reduction in mental abilities, often without specifying a cause.
|
Examples of usage
- He is showing signs of senility and often forgets things.
- The doctor diagnosed her with senility after conducting a series of tests.
negative connotation
The state of being old and mentally weak or infirm.
Synonyms
brain aging, cognitive impairment, mental decline.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| senility |
Commonly used when discussing the general, often age-related, decline in mental faculties and is frequently associated with advanced age.
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| mental decline |
Refers to the reduction of mental abilities and is often used in both medical and everyday conversations about aging.
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| cognitive impairment |
Typically used in medical or psychological contexts to describe difficulties in memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions. It can occur at any age, not necessarily linked with old age.
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| brain aging |
Appropriate when discussing the natural process of the brain getting older. It is a neutral and clinical term.
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Examples of usage
- She was saddened by her grandmother's senility.
- Many people fear the onset of senility as they age.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'senility'
The word 'senility' is derived from the Latin word 'senilis', meaning 'old age'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe the condition of mental weakness or infirmity in old age. The concept of senility has evolved over time, with advancements in understanding age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Today, the term is commonly associated with age-related memory loss and cognitive impairment.