elder

The word "elder" is similar to "old" or "older." It’s generally used when referring to older people. You can use this word as an adjective or as a noun:

• You should respect your elders.
• Jeremy’s elder brother moved in with him. (His older brother moved in with him.)
• Jimmy Carter is an elder statesmen and former President of the United States.
• The village elders came together to decide how to fix the problems in their community.

The word "elderly" is an adjective. Use it as a polite way of saying that a person is old.

• Marta is caring for an elderly parent.
• That building houses elderly residents.
• Bill says that he doesn’t feel elderly even though he has passed the age of 80.
• We have an elderly dog that needs a lot of care.

Many elderly people are able to get around with the use of a cane.

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Published on January 5, 2014