elderly
UK: ˈeldəli | US: ˈeldərli
adj. (of a person) old or aging
adj. relating to or characteristic of later life
n. (the elderly) older people collectively
The word "elderly" combines "elder," derived from Old English ieldra (comparative of eald, meaning "old"), with the suffix "-ly," which forms adjectives. "Elder" originally denoted comparative age (older than another), while "-ly" generalizes the term to describe a state or quality. Over time, "elderly" evolved to specifically describe advanced age, reflecting societal categorization of aging populations. The morphemes preserve their original spelling, maintaining a clear link to the word’s historical roots.
The elderly man walked slowly with a cane.
She volunteers at a center for the elderly.
Elderly residents often face mobility challenges.
The book explores healthcare needs of the elderly.
His elderly parents moved to a retirement community.