senile
UK: ˈsiːnaɪl | US: ˈsiːnaɪl
adj. showing the physical or mental weakness associated with old age.
adj. relating to or characteristic of old age.
senile = sen<old> + ile<adjective suffix>
- sen<old>: From Latin senex (old man), reflecting age or elderliness.
- ile<adjective suffix>: A Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, often indicating "pertaining to" or "capable of."
Etymology Origin:
The word senile traces back to Latin senilis, meaning "of an old man," derived from senex (old). Initially neutral, it later acquired connotations of age-related decline in English (17th century). The suffix -ile systematically converts nouns into adjectives, preserving the core idea of "pertaining to old age."
His senile forgetfulness made daily tasks difficult.
The doctor noted early signs of senile dementia.
She cared for her senile grandfather with patience.
The novel explores the senile king’s fading grip on power.
Modern medicine aims to delay senile deterioration.