elderly

elderly — adjective

1. used to describe a person who has lived a long time, especially when you want to

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

used to describe a person who has lived a long time, especially when you want to refer to their age in a kind, respectful way rather than using the more direct word 'old'.

Example

The hospital offers special services for elderly patients who need extra care.

attributive use: elderly + noun (patients)

Greta's elderly aunt still lives alone and tends to her garden every morning.

Common collocations
  • elderly people
  • elderly patient
  • elderly woman
  • elderly man
  • elderly relative
  • elderly parent
  • elderly neighbor
Synonyms
  • old

    the direct, neutral term; can sound blunt in sensitive contexts

  • aged

    formal, often found in official documents and medical writing

  • senior

    modern and respectful, common in compounds like 'senior citizen'

  • older

    comparative form with a gentler tone; often preferred by older people themselves

Antonyms
  • young

    the straightforward opposite in age

Grammar Patterns

elderly + noun (attributive)

Usage Note

Unlike 'old,' which can feel direct or blunt, 'elderly' is widely seen as more respectful. However, some older people prefer terms like 'older adult' or 'senior' — the best choice depends on the person and the situation.

Common Mistakes

My grandma is very elderly but still walks every day.
My grandma is elderly but still walks every day.
Avoid intensifiers like 'very' or 'extremely' with 'elderly'; the word already implies a high degree of age.

elderly — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Old' is the most neutral and direct term for advanced age, but in sensitive contexts it can sound harsh or dismissive. 'Elderly' emerged as a polite alternative — it softens the bluntness by adding a note of respect. 'Aged' is more formal and often appears in legal or medical documents ('aged care', 'the aged population'). 'Senior' is a modern, upbeat choice commonly used in compounds like 'senior citizen' or 'senior center', especially in North America. 'Older' is a comparative that many older people themselves prefer, because it suggests a stage of life rather than a final category ('older adults', 'older people'). In conversation, saying 'older gentleman' or 'senior staff' feels warmer than 'old man', while official writing tends toward 'elderly' or 'aged'.

elderly ↗old ↗aged ↗senior ↗older

Common collocations

Prepositions

  • of: care of the elderly, needs of the elderly

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

'Elderly' formed from 'elder' (the comparative of 'old', from Old English 'eldra' meaning 'older') plus the suffix '-ly'. Originally it meant 'somewhat old' or 'rather old', but by the 1800s it had become the standard polite way to refer to people of advanced age — a role it still plays today.