graybeard

Thân thiện

An elderly graybeard sits on a park bench feeding pigeons.

Definition

Noun: 1. A man who is very old: The word "graybeard" literally refers to an elderly man, often one whose beard has turned gray with age. It typically implies a sense of venerable age and, sometimes, associated wisdom or experience.

Usage

The term is used as a countable noun to refer to an elderly male. It can carry a neutral, respectful, or occasionally slightly humorous or old-fashioned tone. * The village graybeards would gather in the square to share stories and settle disputes. * He was the graybeard of the department, having worked there for over fifty years.

Advanced Usage

• As a term of respect or authority: In some contexts, it can imply a senior figure whose age commands respect or authority within a community or group.
  • The young warriors listened carefully to the counsel of the tribal graybeard.
• With a slightly archaic or literary tone: The word is not extremely common in modern, everyday speech and can sound somewhat dated or literary.

Variants and Related Words

• Greybeard: An alternative spelling, more common in British English.
• Elder: A more common and neutral term for an older person, often one with authority in a community.
• Senior: A formal and respectful term for an elderly person.
• Patriarch: Specifically denotes the male head of a family or tribe, often an older man.

Synonyms

• Old man
• Elder
• Senior citizen
• Patriarch
• Ancient (informal)

Antonyms

• Youth
• Youngster
• Whippersnapper (informal, implying a disrespectful young person)

Học thuật

Noun

1. a man who is very old

Từ đồng nghĩa

• old man
• greybeard
• Methuselah