Elderly
Noun, Adjective
UK
/ˈel.dəl.i/
US
/ˈel.dɚ.li/
Definition
(adj) : Describing someone who is old.
(n) : Polite word for older people.
(n) : Polite word for older people.
Example
"(adj) : The elderly couple walked slowly through the park."
"(adj) : Many elderly people enjoy spending time with grandchildren and telling stories about the past."
"(n) : The elderly often need extra care in hospitals, and doctors treat them with special attention."
Explanation
“Elderly” describes older people, usually those past middle age. It is often used politely instead of “old”, showing respect. For example, instead of saying “an old man”, people may say “an elderly man”. The word is common in healthcare, social services, and daily conversation when talking about grandparents or older neighbors. Sometimes “elderly” is used as a noun to mean “elderly people” as a group. For example: “The organisation supports the elderly with financial help.”