Words / B1

ELD-uh/ˈeldə/

Elder means older, especially of two in a family: her elder sister. Elderly (already in the dictionary) is a polite word for old people as a group. Older is more general and safer for people outside the family. As a noun, an elder is a respected older person. Do not use elder for buildings — that is older.

Meaning

Older, especially of two people in a family (her elder sister); as a noun, a respected older person.

Examples

• “The elder sibling signed the tenancy as guarantor.”
• “Community elders spoke at the meeting, which is the noun.”

Good to know

elder brother / sister (of two). Group: elderly people. General: older. Noun: an elder. Not for objects. Mix-up: elderly vs elder.

Near in meaning

older

New