elder

/'eldə/

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Explanation of the Word "Elder"

Part of Speech: - Noun: A person who is older than you or holds a position of authority, especially in a community or religious context. - Adjective: Describing someone who is older, particularly when comparing two people with the same name (like a father and son).

Usage Instructions

1. As a Noun: You can use "elder" to refer to someone older than you or someone respected in a community.

   • Example: "In our village, the elders make important decisions for everyone."

2. As an Adjective: Use "elder" to compare two people, especially when they share the same name.

   • Example: "Bill Adams, elder, is my father, while Bill Adams, junior, is my brother."

Advanced Usage

• In some cultures, the term "elder" carries significant respect and implies wisdom and experience. Elders may play crucial roles in guiding younger generations.

• Religious Context: In churches, "elder" can refer to a church officer who has authority in spiritual matters.

  • Example: "The elders of the church gathered to discuss community outreach."

Word Variants

• Eldership (noun): The position or role of being an elder.

  • Example: "His eldership was marked by wisdom and kindness."

• Elderly (adjective): A polite term for older people.

  • Example: "The elderly gentleman needed help crossing the street."

Different Meanings

1. Botanical Context: "Elder" can also refer to certain types of shrubs or small trees that have white flowers and small, berry-like fruits.
   • Example: "We made elderberry jam from the fruits of the elder tree."

Synonyms

• Noun: Senior, ancestor, patriarch, elder statesman
• Adjective: Older, senior

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "The elder statesman": This phrase refers to a respected older leader or figure in a particular field.

  • Example: "He is seen as the elder statesman of the environmental movement."

• Phrasal Verb: There aren't specific phrasal verbs with "elder," but you can use phrases like "look up to" to express respect for elders.

  • Example: "I always look up to my elders for their advice."

Summary

The term "elder" describes someone who is older or holds a position of respect in a community or family. It can be used as a noun or an adjective, and it has various applications in cultural, religious, and botanical contexts.

Academic

Adjective

1. used of the older of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a father from his son
   • Bill Adams, Sr.

Noun

1. any of various church officers
2. any of numerous shrubs or small trees of temperate and subtropical northern hemisphere having white flowers and berrylike fruit
3. a person who is older than you are

Synonyms

• older
• sr.
• elderberry bush
• senior