elderly
pronunciation
How to pronounce elderly in British English:
UK [ˈeldəli]
How to pronounce elderly in American English:
US [ˈeldərli]
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- Adjective:
- advanced in years; (`aged' is pronounced as two syllables)
Word Origin
- elderly (adj.)
- "bordering on old age, somewhat old," 1610s, from elder + -ly (1). Now, generally, "old." Old English ealdorlic meant "chief, princely, excellent, authentic." Old English also had related eldernliche "of old time," literally "forefatherly."
Example
- 1. Many private firms provide long-term care for the elderly .
- 2. The elderly vote in greater numbers than the young .
- 3. Elderly evacuees have reclaimed their homes .
- 4. Predictably it is elderly farmers , doctors and small businessmen who are most against it .
- 5. Asks an elderly tomato seller .