Old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence Ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past. Older, elder imply having greater age than something or someone else Older is the usual form of the comparative of old This building is older than that one. As such, older is not just a euphemism for the blunter old but rather a more precise term for someone between middle and advanced age
And unlike elderly, older does not particularly suggest frailness or infirmity, making it the natural choice in many situations. Definition of 'older' older in british english (ˈəʊldə ) adjective 1 There are five meanings listed in oed's entry for the word older, one of which is labelled obsolete See ‘meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. My older brother and i are catholic twins He's older by eleven months, not quite a year older than me.
Learn how to use older and elder with example sentences and quizzes at writing explained. Young, youthful, ageless, youngish, juvenile, adolescent, immature, minor Elder and older are both adjectives that mean more advanced in age. older can be used of people and things ('an older sibling;' 'an older house'), but elder can only be used of people ('the elder son').
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