middle-aged

UK: ˌmɪd.l̩ˈeɪdʒd | US: ˌmɪd.l̩ˈeɪdʒd

Definition

  1. adj. being of the age between youth and old age, typically between about 45 and 65 years old

Structure
middle <central or intermediate>age <time of life>ed <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "middle-aged" combines "middle," derived from Old English middel (meaning "central"), and "age," from Latin aetas (via Old French age), meaning "time of life." The suffix "-ed" turns the noun phrase into an adjective, describing someone in the intermediate stage of life. The term reflects a societal categorization of life stages, emphasizing the transitional period between youth and old age.

Examples

  1. She is a middle-aged woman with a successful career and a loving family.

  2. Many middle-aged adults start to focus more on health and retirement planning.

  3. The novel explores the challenges faced by middle-aged characters in modern society.

  4. He decided to take up running after realizing he was becoming middle-aged and sedentary.

  5. Middle-aged employees often bring valuable experience and stability to the workplace.