elderly
word
/ˈɛɫdɝɫi/
EL-dur-lee
/ˈɛldəli/
EL-duh-lee
Definition
Describes people who are old, usually over the age of 65. Often used politely to refer to seniors.
Usage & Nuances
More formal and polite than 'old' when referring to people. Common in healthcare, news, and official contexts. Often used as 'the elderly' (group noun), but also as an adjective.
Spanish: anciano - persona mayor - de edad avanzadaPortuguese (BR): idoso - pessoa idosaPortuguese (PT): idoso - pessoa idosaChinese (Simplified): 老年人 - 年长的Chinese (Traditional): 老年人 - 年長的Hindi: वृद्ध - बुज़ुर्गArabic: مسن - عجوزBengali: বৃদ্ধ - প্রবীণRussian: пожилой - престарелыйJapanese: 高齢（こうれい） - 高齢者（こうれいしゃ）Vietnamese: cao tuổi - người giàKorean: 노년의 - 노인Turkish: yaşlıUrdu: معمر - بزرگIndonesian: lansia - lanjut usia
Example Sentences
My grandmother is elderly but very active.
basic
The hospital has a special ward for elderly patients.
basic
The city offers discounts to elderly people.
basic
Many elderly prefer living independently rather than in a home.
natural
We should listen to the advice of the elderly—they have a lot of experience.
natural
The government is working to improve services for the elderly.
natural