elderly
elderly
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "elderly" is /ˈɛldərli/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
el-: /ˈɛl/ (as in "ell")
der-: /dər/ (as in "dur" in "durable," or similar to the "der" in "murder")
ly: /li/ (as in "lee")
Word Form Variations
Adjective: elderly (e.g., an elderly man, elderly people)
Collective Noun (referring to a group): the elderly (e.g., care for the elderly)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition: Of advanced age; approaching or having reached the later period of life. Often implies a stage where one's physical or mental faculties may be in decline, or where one has accumulated significant life experience.
Synonyms: aged, old, senior, mature, superannuated, venerable
Antonyms: young, youthful, juvenile, adolescent, nascent
Noun (Collective)
Definition: A group of people who are of advanced age. This term is often used when discussing issues, services, or conditions that are specifically relevant to older individuals within a population.
Synonyms: seniors, old people, older adults, the aged
Antonyms: the young, youth, children, juveniles
Examples of Use
Books: "He had the calm, slow movements of an elderly man, though his eyes still held a spark of youthful mischief." (From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, 1993)
Newspapers: "New government policies aim to provide increased support and resources for the elderly population, including improved access to healthcare and affordable housing." ( The Guardian)
Online Publications: "Understanding the unique nutritional needs of the elderly is crucial for promoting their overall health and well-being." (WebMD.com)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): In the movie Up (2009), the main character, Carl Fredricksen, is an elderly widower who embarks on an adventure.
Entertainment Platforms (Television Series): "The storyline often features an elderly detective, relying more on wit and experience than brute force to solve complex cases." (Referring to a typical character archetype in a crime drama series, e.g., Shetland, 2013-present)
General Public Discourse: "We need to ensure our public spaces are accessible for everyone, including the elderly and those with mobility challenges." (Heard in a community planning meeting)
General Public Discourse: "My grandmother, bless her heart, is quite elderly now, but she still has a sharp mind and tells the most wonderful stories." (Common conversational usage, anytime)
10 Quotes Using Elderly
"It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped." (Hubert H. Humphrey, November 1977)
"Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
"A society that does not value its older people denies its roots and endangers its future. Let us strive to enhance their capacity to support themselves for as long as possible and, when they cannot do so anymore, to care for them." (Nelson Mandel1a, 2011)
"No elderly person should be like an 'exile' in our families." (Pope Francis)
"If an elderly but distinguished scientist says that something is possible, he is almost certainly right; but if he says that it is impossible, he is very probably wrong." (Arthur C. Clarke)
"Almost all my middle-aged and elderly acquaintances, including me, feel about 25, unless we haven't had our coffee, in which case we feel 107." (Martha Beck)
"To keep the heart unwrinkled — to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent — that is to triumph over old age." (Thomas Bailey Aldrich)
"Protecting the elderly, keeping them alive is keeping our memories alive in real life; it is to keep our past literally in today's time!" (Mehmet Murat ildan)
"The elderly are a source of wisdom, experience, and stability in a world that is constantly changing." (Unknown)
"The way the elderly are treated, and in some cases warehoused and medicated, rather than nurtured and listened to, is distressing." (Bill Nighy)
Etymology
The word "elderly" comes from an older English word, "elder," with the added ending "-ly."
"Elder" itself comes from the Old English word "eldra," which meant "older" or "more senior." So, it's essentially a comparative form of "old."
The suffix "-ly" is often used to turn words into adjectives (like "friendly" from "friend" or "earthly" from "earth"). So, when "-ly" was added to "elder," it created "elderly," meaning "having the qualities of someone who is older."
The first known use of "elderly" as we understand it today (meaning "of advanced age" or "somewhat old") dates back to the Middle English period, specifically around 1400. An early example from around that time describes someone having an "elderliche skyn as a goot" (an elderly skin like a goat), referring to the characteristic appearance of an older person. Before this, similar forms like "eldernliche" existed, meaning "of old time" or "forefatherly."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Elderly
Elderly care: Refers to services and support provided to older individuals.
The elderly population: A demographic term for people of advanced age.
Elderly statesman/stateswoman: An experienced and respected senior political figure.
Elderly relative: A family member who is advanced in age.
An elderly gentleman/lady: A polite way to refer to an older man or woman.
Old before one's time: (Using a synonym) Appearing or behaving as if much older than one's actual age.
To get on in years: (Using a synonym) To become old.
Wise old owl: (Using a synonym) Refers to a very wise, often older, person.
Golden years: (Referring to old age) A period of retirement and leisure in later life.
An old hand: (Using a synonym) Someone with a lot of experience in a particular area.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of elderly from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
