Words / A2

ELD-uh-lee/ˈeldəli/

Elderly is a polite adjective for old people: an elderly neighbour, elderly passengers, the elderly (as a group). Old is plainer; elderly is softer in public language. Elder as a noun can mean an older respected person. Do not use elderly for objects (an old building, not an elderly building).

Meaning

A polite word for old, used about people.

Examples

• “An elderly man offered her his seat.”
• “Please offer your seat to elderly travellers.”
• “Her elderly parents still live in the village.”

Good to know

an elderly person / the elderly. Objects: old, not elderly. Contrast: young.

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