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.
Understanding the Context
And unlike elderly, older does not particularly suggest frailness. You can use the adjective older to describe elderly folks (like your older neighbors who don't drive at night any more) or a person who was born first: "Her older sister was much bossier than her younger. Definition of 'older' older in British English (ˈəʊldə ) adjective 1. the comparative of old There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the word older, one of which is labelled obsolete.
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Key Insights
See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Comparative form of old: more old, elder, senior. My older brother and I are Catholic twins. He's older by eleven months, not quite a year older than me. Learn the meaning of Older with clear definitions and helpful usage examples.
Final Thoughts
Synonyms for OLDER: elderly, old, aging, aged, ancient, senior, geriatric, over-the-hill; Antonyms of OLDER: young, youthful, ageless, youngish, juvenile, adolescent, immature, minor Nov 21, 2025 · Lizzy McAlpine - Older (Official Video) Lizzy McAlpine 356K subscribers Subscribe
